
THE SIREN 

-# AND #»- 

THE ROMAN 



A TRAGEDY 

by 
"LUCYL" 



TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. 



Page 






8 


Twentieth 


speech, 


Y2 


Second 


u 


12 


Third 


(( 


13 


Fifth 


a 


18 


Eighth 


( i 


18 - 


< i 


a 



22 



24 
25 

26 

27 
28 
28 
38 
38 

39 
41 
41 
45 



Iris: 



fRef. 

read quarrel for guarrel 
" mean for meant 
" were for mere 
" fifth line should follow first line 
line 12, repetition 
part of speech omitted. Read: — 
-Be of good cheer, she is returned 
By Anthony's commandment, as you know 
- Eleventh speech; part of speech omitted; read 

After 2d line. I tell you friends, as sure as this is 
earth and heaven is above us, I did intend to marry 

Cleopatra! (etc.) 
Bottom speech; read considering for considerable 
Sixth speech; line 5, read dying for lying 
Second " line 8, read his for this 
Act Fourth first outline, repitetion 
Scene two read derangement for derangements 
" " '• great for grand 

ik Her for hed 
Sixth speech line 0, read stabs for stable 



line 12, read search for seach 
1st line, read amaze for amoze 
read; Enter Messenger, Omitted 
" They who were mine are Cfesars 

Read: 



4th line. 

Tenth speech, 

Top! three lines omitted after first line. 

Anth. — What is his name who dare to moulh the hand 



of Cleopatra's 
Begone! your ignorance acquits you. Fly? 
Thyreus. — Who is it that commands? 
Second and third lines repetition 

46 Seventh speech, line 4, read therefore for there. 
46 Tenth speech, line 1, read may for come. 






THE SIREN 

-# AND ftf 

THE ROMAN 

(CLEOPATRA & ANTHOMIUS) 
OR 

Luxurv, Love and The Lost. 

A NEW TRAGEDY IN FIVE ACTS 

by 

"LUCYL" 

(VINCENT P. SULLIVAN) 
Author of "Conquered by the Cross. 
Brooklyn. 191 1 



All Rights Reserved. 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year one thousand 
nine hundred and eleven, by Vincent P. Sullivan, in the office 
of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



f S 3 S 

FOREWORD. 



Cleopatra, The Mother is (so far as I recall), a feature not heretofore 
treated dramatically, and it is hoped that my critics will not deem he over- 
bold in daring to introduce her illegitimate children That she was one of 
the hest of mothers is undeniable, inasmuch as her fondest aspiration i. e., 
to be Anthony's wife, is so pityfully evinced from the first to the last. So 
p tsitive is my conviction in this particular that I have ventured so far as 
to suggest this maternal love as probable solution of that eternal problem: 
The motive of her flight from Aetium, magnetically drawing Anthony after 
her .causing him thereby, to lose the battle which sealed his ruin; which 
having won, would have established him the first man of the world. 
Aside from this feature, I believe 1 have fairly represented that "infinite 
variety" ascribed to her, not emitting a necessary hint of the courtesan. 

Permit me to state at once that my indebtedness to Shakespease is 
beyond measure, and, — if I may be bold to quote Dryden, "in imitating him, 
I have excelled myself throughout the play." At this point I might men- 
tion that, during the course of this work I had access to several antiques, 
and upon one occasion reviewed a volumne some two^hundred and thirty- 
four years old, called 'Anthony and Cleopatra" by the Honorable Sir Chas. 
Sedley, — a 'drama' in rhyme. This gentleman I learn, was not obliged to 
cur poet, which accounts for the exceeding tediousness of his book, not to 
mention the remark of Sir Walter Scott, who said he had read it once, 
"and assuredly you would not read it again." 

It is not surprising, therefore, that the aforestated Dryden should 
write so enduring and excellent a play (excusing his very tame Celopatra), 
just about this time (1G78), but rather proves conclusively the folly of the 
anti-Shakespearian. 

Albeit I freely and gladly acknowledge the foregoing, my good and dis- 
criminating reader will observe much that is original, and will, moreover, 
upon examination, find that where I have seemed to copyour poet, I have 
used, as it were, his building material; — The Plutarch of Thomas North. 

To the uncharitable half-wits, — who would describe this little labor of 
a constant year, (admitting its profuse imperfections) 'as another inflic- 
tion upon the all-suffering \ ublic, etc.,' or 'another version of a hackneyed 
and defunct play,' — be it said, that the theme itself is imperishable, in proof 
of which, witness the exhaustive edition (The Variorum, 1907) by the late 
illustrious Horace Furness, and the highly inviting and successful history 
of the queen, by Philip W. Sergeant (1909), together with others, even more 
recent, perhaps, not coming under my notice. 

Howbeit, I hope to contradict the editor of the Variorum's statement, 
so emphatically set forth in the Preface, to the effect that "the tragedy of 
Anthony and Cleopatra has been written once and for all time," (by 
Shakespeare) 'for those whose mother tongue is English,' — and in following 
the example of that vast, expanding throng who have assayed a story 
offering so superior a moral, i. e., the awful consequence of unlawful love, 
I trust my aim will not be utterly unpardonable, nor, dear reader, alto- 
gether in vain ! 

In the matter of personal choice, — if I may declare the same without 
vanity, no scene pleases me more than the quarrel scene between Anthony 
and Augustus, the first one of the Third Act, undoubtedly because it is so 
largely my own invention. The parting scene in the first act. and the one 
between Anthony and Ventidius in the fourth, I also desire to commend. 

Note. — For the especial convenience of readers, brief outlines have 
been annexed at the beginning of each act. 



C CI. D 2 5 6 8 



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C 

(Five Dollars the Copy) 

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Brooklyn. 
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The Great Northern Hotel, New York. 
Austin A. Sullivan, West Point. 



DRAMATIS PERSQNAE. 



Marc Anthony 

Augustus Caesar j" Joint rulers of the Roman Empire 

Ventidius ) 

Canidius j Commanders in Anthony's service 

Agrippa Commander to Caesar 

Eros A freedman of Anthony's 



Caesarion Son to the late Caesar and Cleopatra 

Antylus Son to Fulvia and Anthony 

Helios ) j 

Selene j Twins V Children of Anthony and Cleopatra 

Alexander ) 



Olympus Physician and astronomer to the Queen 
Alexas A Syrian courtier, favourite of Anthony s 
Archibius Friend of Cleopatra 
Philotis A young student, friend of Caesarion 
Master Stewart, A false one 

Herod of Jewry \ 

Poleman of Pont t Qu 

Malchus of Arabia | 

The Median King >■ Anthony's subjects 

Other Kings ) 

Cleopatra The Queen of Egypt 
Charmion Her confidante 

Iris Personal attendant to the Queen 

Octavia Sister to the present Caesar; afterward, 
Anthony's wife, (appearing at the 
final curtain, exclusively) 

Soldiers, Servants, Messengers Nubian Slaves. 

THE SCENE ALEXANDRIA. 

(Excepting Act Third, which takes place at Actium) 



ACT THE FIRST. 
Scene One. 
Rioting in Alexandria. — The mad quest for variety; 
Anthony and Cleopatra disguised as slaves. Drunken 
Reveries. The "Fickle Queen." Relates humorous fishing 
excursion. Her jealously for Anthony's wife. Anthony de- 
clines audience. Ceremonious journey to the Palace. 

(A thoroughfare showing the exterior of an ale-house in a rural part 
of the city, entrance of which fronts the stage. Sounds of rioting are 
heard from within, then enter, ejected by the keeper, a drunken, boister- 
ous mob of musicians, singers, etc. The mob disperses r. & 1. excepting 
one couple dressed as servants, the man being slightly intoxicated.) 

Anthony. — Where are we going, goddess? 
'Any place,' you would say, 'where pleasure is.' 
Follow the musicians? 

Cleopatra,— O, let's no more! Anthony, I am faint! 

Anthony. — Ineed? The sport is somewhat rough. Stop here, 
The air is better. Love, thou art warm, 
^ff with this rude disguise ; we'll be ourselves : 
(hereupon they cast off disguises, revealing royal robes.) 
The princely pair of Incomparables ! 
Think of our nuptials. 

Cleo. — Still he taunts. 

Anth. — The sixth of August, lass, — 
When I have shaken off this wasp at Rome, forever,— 

Cleo. — How now ! Speak well of Rome. 
There one abides whose glai'e would strike thee down. 
And shrivel up thy better part of man. 

Anth. — You mean the stripling Ceasar? 

Cleo. — Ha, no. I mean this wasp, thy wife, the woman Fulvia ! 
She of the shewish tongue and constant cackle. 
More masculine than man ! 

Anth. — Believe me. queen, I never feared nor loved her. 
There is but one in all the entire world 
Who may at any and all times command me, — 

Cleo. — And who is that, I pray you ! 

Anth. — You know you are that one. Sure you know 
My previous contracts were pure policy. 
Ours, pure love. 

Cleo. — 'Pure love' he said. 
In Italy the uncouth call it 'filthy'! (last word aside) 
And yet that little name of 'wife' would make 
That same love pure, nay chase, celestial ! 
O, envied name of wife! must we perforce 
Be marked for mistress, always? 
Anth. — What say you. madam? 

Cleo. — True I was wife, 
Wife to mine idiot brothers; think of that! 
Insipit simpletons, my kins, the boy kings! 

Anth. — Peace to their ashes. 



Cleo. — Thanks to the Nile ; thanks to our ahle poison ! 

Anth. — Lady, no more ! Lady I say, 
Love most every moment of our lives comprise 
Or we die famished. Think of our nuptials/ 

Cleo. — Don't move but meditate. 

Anth (as in a reverie). — High couched in our chariot car. 
Drawn by six snow white steeds, that cut the clouds, 
Whose hoofs beat time to strains invisible, 
And striking fire forth illume the land ! 
Robed in imperial black and purple splendor, 
I lie upon my lounge of silken down.— 

Cleo. — Poor imagination ! plain and soldier like. 

Anth. — Nearby, our queen, empress of Rome, — 

Cleo. — 'Empress of Rome'! bow much I crave that name! 
Yet Anthony's wife is all the name I ask ; 
But no: thou art Fulria's husband! 
Dream on, dream on. 

Anth. — Our queen reclining near, transparent star! 
Not throned Venus ever was so fair 
Nor matched with charms of such variety. 

Cleo. — By this 'twould seem we're not a tiling as vile. 
As this Augustus calls us. 

Anth. — Do not note him, lady. Twas ever common 
With the poor to hate what they may not have. 
The wealthy, too, despise what sold won't purchase. 

Cleo.— Tell me,— 
This dissolution was our grandsire's fault, 
'Tis ours heriditary, — are we to blame? «J 

Anth. — 'To blame, to blame.' If blame exist I own it 
Inspiration ! Study thou mine eyes. 

Cleo. — Still he dreams. 

Anth. — Your hair in raven ripples rides the wind. 
Upon thy brows the Empress' diadem 
Be-studded with chief jewels of the East. 

Cleo. — It would sound well : 'The Empress Cleopatra'. 

Anth. — Borne with aromas of Arabia, rare. 
The soothing South, with gentle movement, fans 
Your beautiful white breasts, a blushing pink. 
A silver gause drapes thy nude form, 
Revealing every dimple soft and lovely. 
And jealous Venus, looking on the scene, 
Weeps with vexation ! 

Ci eo . — He has in mind my voyrge up the Cydnus. 

Anth. — Ecstatic our joy, wild and erratic. 
Delirious and drunken — 

Cleo. — 'Drunken' thou art! Very true. Ha, ha, ha! 
O, that this soldier loved me, sober too. 

Anth. — Osoris bend and witness this my oath : 
By all the sods I 60, my Cleopatra. 

Cleo. — No, Anthony : 
You must not think though I be folly's tool. 
That Egypt's queen is altogether fool. 
Oh, no. 

Even the scrawney, (aping) screaching! creature Fulvia. 
Knows — 

Anth. — I love my precious queen. 

Cleo. — Hum ! 
I love thy laughter most, thy chiding best, 
I loe thy laughter most, thy chiding best. 
In thee I find all moods admirable. 



Cleo. — You have your ivorys, sir? 

Anth (producing dice.) — Here. What's your cry, Egypt? 

Cleo. — Too tired, now ! 

Anth. — Pshaw ! 

Cleo. — What Anthony! Tomorrow we shall fish. 
For I've h d hooks cf liended steel prepared. 

Anth. — I\I(,st true : we'll fish, swe?t sovereign Ptolemy. 

Cleo. — And yet to hurt is le s monotonous. 

Anth. — Why then we shall, we shall he tnrjing. 

Cleo.- -No, we shall not, it deed. 

Anth. — Fickle queen ! 

Cleo. — We shall do no such thing' Angling's your sport: 
Thou art a fisherm in. nay, one most adept. 
At catching cod from a firkin of salt. 

Anth. — Ha, ha ! I comprehend and laugh to think 
How zealously I hau'el tlie salted fish 

Y n" cunniag diver hung upon my hook. (enter Alexas.) 

Il<>\\ .now. Alexas; what has passed and who? 

Alex. — Ceasorian ard Anthylis; no one else of note. 

Anth. — Mv son, Antylis? 

Cleo. — Aid my Ceasorian? 

A^th — rp hey do not know that we are rioting? 

Alex. — No. your majesties. 

Cleo. — Good ! 

Anth. — Scmething else, Alexas? 

Alex. — Ambassadors from Rome. 

Anth. — From Pome? The devil, you sav ! Whit's their duty? 

Alex. — That they will make known to none but Anthony. 

Anth. — So then they may take it hence; we have no mind 
To give an audience here. (Aside to Alex.) Detain them at the palace. 
Quick the e uiopage; my queen's aweary. (Exit Alexas.) 

Cleo. -Now, Anthony, shall Fulvia curse us. 

Anth. — Heed them not. 

(Hereupon enter a great parlianquin, with Nubians and train.) 
Tonight you say some dozen, vassel kings 
Attend us: Come, Cleopatra (entering the equippage). 
Another feist, another night, together! 

(Exeunt.) 
Scene Two. 
The Feast of Kings. — Prepared and destroyed; eight 
banquets complete at all times. The Queen recalls An- 
thony's flatterv. "Empress of Rome." Her rash comment. 
Praises Anthony and Julius Ceasar. Anthony arrives. 
Fulvia (his wife), dead. A quarrel, the children, forgive- 
ness. Reception of the monarchs, another feast, Anthony 
moody. The little figure of death. Queens distributes 
gold and silver plate amongst guests, guests retire, and the 

parting scene 

Anthony's departure for Rome. 

(Several hours later; a sunken garden adjoining the palace; a broad, 
low flight of stair-; in centre, rear. A feast spread.) 
Enter Philotis. with the Stewart. 



Thilo. — Eight wild boards, you say, and roasted whole? There'll be 
a great number of guests tonight, I'll warrant: 

Stewa. — Only the usual twelve, I assure you. 

Philo. — But twelve will not eat eight boars at a sitting. 

Stewa. — I think not. You see it's this way: May be Anthony will 
dine now, then again, not for an hour; then he'll call for wine, set it 
down, and forget all about supper. . Therefore, as we do not know when 
they are likely to dine, we must not have one but many feats in readiness 
at all times. 

Philo. — The gods forgive them! Their waste would feed a whole 
colony. 

Stewa. — Hark, the queen aproaches. 

Philo. — The queen! If you should see Ceasorian, Master Stewart, 
tell him I will meet him in the morning at the left quarter of the museum. 

Stewart. — I will do so. doctor. (Enter Philotis.) 

(Enter Cleopatra. Charmion, Iris and train.) 

Sovereign lady, all is ready. 

Cleo. — Is it indeed? 

Stewa. — Ye^, madam. 

Cleo. — Well, we'll eat nothing now. t ^ 

Stewa. — But, madam, — 

Cleo. — 'But. madam,' bear it away and destroy it. 
Later on we may call for another. 
Go, Iris, inform Alexas I would speak with him. (Exit Iris.) 

(reclining) 
"Empress of Rome" ! Tonight he called me so. 
O, Charmion, but to possess that name, 
I would ensnare you twenty Anthonys 
And thrice as many Ceasars! 

Char. — Fie, madam! what do you say? 

Cleo. — What, Charmion! Did / say so? 
Now as you love me, never for your life . 
Repeat my rashness. 

Char. — Trust me, madam. 
'Tis as I never heard it: it goes no farther. 

Cleo. — Why, surely you know ere this, not empires 
Nor their gists of glowing j_-old could tempt us. 
It was the man, the man, my Charmion, 
That swayed with ecstacy your Egypt's queen. 
The giant Julius, he that's my Brutus slain, 

(re-enter Iris with Alexas) 
So great of heart, the prince of courtesy. 
And, my good girls, our god, Anthonius ! 
This, the superman, 
A rareity unknown to Ptolomies! 

Chiir. — Yes, I remember: Julius was a wondeful man. 

Cleo. — Wench. I say. my Anthony stands foremost, rarest best ! 

Car. — Yes, madam, Anthony is best. 

Cleo to Alex.) — I did not send for you, 
But since you stand in need of occupation, 
You might observe my lord, the emperor. 
See what detains him ; note his company too. 
I half believe the envoys he declined to see, 
Have tried again and luckily beset him. 
But do not say I sent you, do you hear? 

Alex. — By your gracious leave, the Emperor — 

Cleo. — Excuses have you! go. (Exit Alexas.) 
I tell you, Iris, the Library had 

(enter Anthony, with train.) 



Five hundred thousand volumes, 

Fire consumed them, each and every one. 

Anth. — (Mournfully.) Grettings, my most dear Egypt! 

Cleo. — O, O, O! Look on him Charmion, Iris, too. 
'Tis even as I told you : this sadness is for Rome. 
Come now, kind general, you are going. 
No nicity. briefly, say it, say it 
Though each syllable be dagger to my heart ! 

Anth. — Cleopatra ! 

Cleo.— I knew it, Charmion : they make a traffic of us. 

Anth. — Friends, we would be private. 

Cleo. — Give him way. good Charmion, Iris and the rest. 

(exeunt, all but A & C) 
Now then: what says the Fulvian woman? 

Anth. — O. cruel queen, Fulvia says no more. 

Cleo. — So? Then 'tis like she suddenly is tongued-tied. 
What reverend magician tamed the shi'ew? 

Anth. — (After a little pause.) Death. 

Cleo.— (Starting.) Ha! I'm sorry. 

Anth. — Are you, Cleopatra? Even for so much I thank you. 

Cleo. — Still you would have it so. or else the prayers 
You've vented with an insane fervency, 
Was perjury, the blackest! 

Anth. — I would, my queen. 
She made my life unbearable at Rome; 
The hawkish voice was ever on the wind. 
Dissenting, finding fault. Yet it was ever thus : 
Living misprised, lamented being gone. 
Do not forget, she was my children's mother. 

Cleo. — 'Your children's mother'! Is it come to this? 
Who am I. Charmion? (enter Charmion) Selena! Call for Selena, 

(enter att. with Selena) 
Now, daughter, what gentleman is this? 

Sele. — He is my lord, the emperor, my father ! 

Cleo.— Very good. Now tell me, who am I? 

Sele. — You ai'e the queen, my mother. 

Cleo. — 'Mother' ! Avaunt. thou lying brat ! Your father says not so. 

Char. — Dear lady, what is the matter? 

Cloo. — O, to our woman's In-east, come mortal milk. 
And from my person let the nursing babe, 
Infect must rancorous poison! 
Flv, fly like the routed sparrow. 
All fond instinct of motherhood's high state. 
That heretofore hath couched, here at the hearth, 
Within the luxury of my bosom's center, — 
T T n-roost and elsewhere shift : 
Unfurl thy musty winges, which long beside 
Thy flanks in ouiet hung, — nay, 
With the rapidity of the no'thern gale. 

Dismiss thvself! Come, grandsire, fiendish Phiscon, come! 
Cane thou mad, malicious, vile monstrousity, 
From thy dark tomb, and live in Cleopatra ! 
Welcome to thee, assert thyself henceforth to be, 
The solitary tenant of my heart' 

Anth. — Call the physician; How now, is all confusion? 
Have we all lost our heads? Charmion, compose yourself, 
Quickly, console the queen! The passion's dangerous. 

Cleo. — Witness, Iris, 



He who denies me the poor name of wife 
Would decline me the name of mother! 
Anth. — I did not say so. 
Cleo. — Help me, my dear girls. 

Anth. — Madam, you wrong me much to misconstrue me so. 
Cleo. — 'Wrong you, misconstrue' you, did I. truly? 
Anth. — You did, my queen. 
In saying Fulvia was my children's mother. 
I did not therein question your high state. 
Nor did I so intend it. 
Cleo. — O, Anthony, 
Of late these rash conclusions grow upon me. 
Where love is great the jealousy is boundless. 
Can you forgive me, soldier, emperor? 

Anth. — Content thee, love, 'twas given ere 'twas asked. 
You know I cannot chile you. 

Cleo. — Call for our child again. ( re-enter Selena) Come, my poor chick! 
It grieves me I should be unkind to thee (embracing). 
I am your mother still, though tempered sometimes 
Like the Afric tigress. Poor little woman ! 
There's your nose bruised again. (enter Stewart) 

Stewa. — Good sovereigns, the guests arrive . 
Anth. — Name them, 1 pray you . 

Stewa. — The King and Queen of Media ; Polemon of Pont, with the 
The King of Arabia; Herod of — (princess) 

Cleo. — Tedious monkeys! Bid Alexas entertain them, (exit Stewart) 
Will you eat, Anthony? 

Anth. — A thousand thanks : I have just dined, my queen. 
Cleo. — I did not ask if Anthony had dined, 
I asked him, would he eat? 
Anth.— Well, a little. 

Cleo. — (to att.) Bring on the feast, (exit att.) 
Shall we survey these "monarchs," Anthony? 

Anth. — Yes, we must greet them, lady. 
I fear they are offended with our absence (exeunt, per palace, A & C, etc.) 
(re-enter Stewart with retinue, who proceed to lay out supper) 
Stewa. — Now. master cook, you would do well to use your best skill 
with the banquet: Mark Anthony's the most liberal man living. Your 
fellow cooks have had fine houses give them, for a single superior supper. 
Cook. — Yes ; but the fine houses he gives us — 
Stewa. — Hush, master cook ! 
Cook. — Are the homes of honest citizens. 
Stewa. — That story was invented. 
Cook. — I think so too, Master Stewart. 

Stewa. — Not half enough wine there ! quick to the cellarage and 
fetch another hogshead. You hear. Gumbo? (Exit.) 

Gumbo. — Yes, sir. No wonder the wine is out. There's the morning 
slipped me, I thank Khen^ in the society of that rump faced weasle of the 
pantry, downing her stolen wine, roast boar, and queen's cold vituals. 
And my mistress knows of it, I promise you she'll turn a couple out, bag 
and baggage. (re-enter Stewart) 

Stewa. — How, Gumbo, where's the wine? Lively; they are coming now! 

(exeunt) 

(Music; enter from palace, R., Anthony and Cleopatra with Train; 

Antylis. with the Pontus princess ; the king and queen of Media : The 

king and queen of Armenia; Herod, the Arabian king, and two generals. 

Attendants.) 

Antylis sits at Anthony's right.) 

(The queen manifests scant courtesy for Herod and Arabia, her 
enemies.) 



(Nubians decorate guests with flowers.) 

Anth. — Having your loyalties in such numbers ; 

Grace us, would seem to argue, Anthony's 
Remembered by his friends. 

Herod. — So much is warranted. 
Being the right wing of the mighty Eagle 
Protection under any other shield 
Would be sheer hazard. 

Several. — The universal tongue! 

Anth. — Herod, I thank you. 
I shall study to deserve your loves, henceforth. 
On with the wine ! My queen drinks to thee, Herod ! 
And thou, Arabia. Do, Cleopatra ! 
For I have hoped the little grievencies 
Betwixt you and my lass, would one day turn 
Into unebbing friendship. 

Cleo. — Spare me, Anthony ! 
Anth. — Fie. Cleopatra. Do this for me. 

Cleo. — Well, then, health to you all ! Live Herod, live Arabia' 
The petty jealousies that stand between 
We three, I drown in this deep draught ! 

Herod. — Hail, Cleopatra ! 
The greatest queen that ever reigned o'er Egypt ! 

Arabia. — The greatest queen the world shall ever know ! 

Cleo. (to Herod). — You wife, the Lady Marraniain, I trust is well? 

Herod. — Excellent, madam! She talks much of Egypt 
And the illustrious queen that rules there. 

Cleo.- — Will it please you, peers and ladies, to receive 
The comedians, tragedians or the ballet? 

Several. — A dance, a dance, a dance! 

Cleo. — And the Median king : 
How now, you talk not to us ! We are like 

To call you 'Media, the Meditator.' (enter the ballet.) 

I have thought serious upon it. 

Media. — (with surprise) You have thought of calling me, 'Meditator'? 

Cleo. — O, no, no, no. Rather of how delightful it would be 
To have your daughter, the princess 
Companioned with bur Helios. 

Media. — It would indeed, be charming. I'm sure the queen will agree. 

Pont. — Exquisite grace! Lady, they thread the air. 

Herod. — Come Anthony! What is it ails you? 

Anth. — Be merry, friends, 'tis nothing serious. More wine! 

(The hilarity increases.) 

Herod (rising). — Who crossed the desert in the storm, 
With legions thirty thousand strong? 

All.— Mark Anthony ! 

Herod. — Who valiently performed this deed 
Without the loss of man or steed? 

All.— Mark Anthony ! 

(A little figure of Death is laughlinglv passed about.) 

Anth. — (Receiving the figure. ) ) Fulvia. Fulvia, Fulvia ! 

Cleo. — 'Tis nothing I assure. Some little irritation 
In the state infringes on his peace. Mark the dancers. 

Anth.--(Aasicle to his son.) Boy, where is thy mother? 

Antyl. — In Rome, father. 

Anth. — Ah, no : The space at Rome would not contain thy mother-. 

Antyl. — Then father, where is mother? 

Anth. — Let's hope in heaven. 

Antyl. — Slie is dead ! 



8 

Antli. — Hush, hush : thou goest with me. 

Antyl. — Home? 

Anth. — Aye. 

Antyl. — Good, good, good' 

Anth. — Assemble our train and send one with mine armour. 

(exit ballet) (exit Antylis, unobserved) 

Pont. — Such quantities of gold and silver plate 
I have not seen. 

Armenia. — Nor I, either. 

Cleo. — Petty trinkets, I assure you. 
But if you fancy them, I would you would 
Remove them, take them all. We're somewhat overstocked. 
I will distribute them. 

Herod. — Madam, you jest! 

Cleo. — Not in the least (catching a bored glance from Anthony) 
But since you want a reason for these presents, 
Let it commemorate our host's departure! 

Several. — What, the emperor? Anthony? 

Anth. — Yes, friends; family matters 
And a trifling conference calls us. 

Herod. — In this, as in the past, success attend you! 

Several. — The wish of the world ! 

Anth. — Sirs. I thank you. 

Cleo. — T^ray you, dispose yourselves. Co in 
My royal friends I will lie with you, straight. 

(Music; exeunt, per palace, all but A £ C.) 

(Enter attendant, with armour, who proceeds to put same on 

(Anthony. 

Cleo. — So, you are going, eh. 

Anth. — Sweet, sovereign, heir me: 
Fulvia is dead : so much is good for us. 
)But you must know she died not Quietly. 
Desperate in wish to have me home, — 
All other means in vain — a civil-war 
She wages with my brother, against Ceasar. 
Then like an Amazon, my idle armour dons, 
And leads the charge in person. 
Failing to move me by this or any means. 
Despondency did take possession of her. 
And thus she sank down sorrowing to the grave. 

Cleo. — Poor Fulvia! (ironically) 

Anth. — My Asia charges are at guarrel too. 
Parthia, particular. And young Pompey 
Approaching Rome, wearing his fathers mantle. 
Courts popularity, from such as never thrive. 
Surely you see, affairs like these require 
Us at once. 

Cleo. — Hum! I see. Well, great Triumviror, 
I trust you will report my tindom fair. 
And that you found no lack of entertainment. 

Anth. — For your kingdom, Cleopatra, 
It is indeed the earthly paradise. 
And for your entertainment. I must say 
I know no words describes it. It exceeds 
The vaguest fancy, the splendor of the gods ! 

Cleo. — You are kind. 
But might I ask you in particular. 
Which wonder was it drew you to the East? 
Was it the pyramids? In twenty years, 
An hundred thousand men built one of these. 



Or was it not our famous library, — 
Our museums of philosophy and science? 
Or should I say, that wonder of the world: 
The marble beacon fronting Pharos' Isle. 

Was it aught of these or was it not, indeed (approaching him with a 

weird motion) 
This old serpent of the Nile! 

Anth. — No serpent, but the siren of the Cydnus, 
Drew me hither. 

Cleo. — But that same siren is turned hideous, 
And frightens what it charmed. 
Else, v\ by do you leave me iioir:' 
Why did we ever meet, since we part here? 
See, I am yet young, not old, decrepit, nor deformed. 
I am not sharp-tongued, lean or dull of eye. 
Had I these faults, you might with reason shun me. 
Few hours ago, as lately as tonight, 
We did out-feature Venus, Isis, too, 
Elsewise your vows were but foul fumes of ale, 
The slave's intoxicant ! 

Anth. — Now, then! off, take off mine armour! (queen interposes) 
Let me unbuckle it ! Since Cleopatra 
Would not have me go, burn Rome to finders! 

Cleo. — Why, begone ! yet stay a little. 

Anth. — The time is short. 

Cleo. — May 6e I am suddenly grown old ; 'tis very possible ! 
Wrinkled my hands, and wissoned as a hag. 
And like a garment, racked, and out of fashion 
Am tossed atop high mill-dewed garret shelf, 
No more remembered'' 

Anth. — O, Egypt, if you ever have esteemed me — 

Cleo. — 'Esteemed' him. 

Anth.- — Let not my stern employment in the West. 
Be marred with tears. (Queens motions him to come to her.) 
What is it, lady? Let me go forth like a man! 

Cleo. — (In bis ear.) Sometime, I thought ire loved! 

Anth. — Will you be good? 

Cleo. — Heaven and earth ! 
Was I mistaken; was t mart to think so! 
Nay, T believel we loved with an exaltedness, 
Surpasing the immortals! 

Anth. — And you disprove it now? 

Cleo. — Ah! not I, but yon disprove it. Yet. no matter: 
Thoii^b I were queen of all the peopled planets. 
After all I were only a woman. 
And that same passion that enslaves my maids — 
That monstrous fault of loving too devoutly 
Makes me subordinate. 

(Hereupon enter laughing and prattling. Selena and Alexander.) 

(The queen draws them to her.) 
My pretty chickens. Unhappily good hearts, 
Since the ability to here remain 
No longer is your father's — 
I must commend you to that sire above ! 
May he who is the father of us all, 
Be father to you, love, guide you aright, my children! 
Roman, you may go! (softly) 
Your love and duty lies in Italy, 



10 

Here, your petty care, once out of sight, 
Is straightaway forgotten! 

Anth. — Never, never, Egypt! 

0, I'll not leave you ,not one foot I'll stir, 

Unless yon wish me well! Tell me, shall I be victor? 

Cleo. — You shall! You shall' Or else my prayers 
Will shatter my assiduous lungs to atoms! 
Say you will think sometimes — 
When lesser matter occupy your mind 
Of poor, forsaken Egypt' 

Anth. — Always, always, my queen; say not 'forsaken.' 

(The train, with Antylis and a detachment appear at top of stairs.) 

Cleo. — Tho' I exhaust my multitude of subjects 
You shall have letters from me, every hour! 

Anth. — Mine shall as swiftly follow. 
My love, my sovereign, and niv dearest queen. Farewell! 

Cleo. — Farewell, Roman, Emperor, friend; 
I would say 'husband'; but O! — kiss him daughter! 
You, too. Alexander. 

Selene. — Good-night, father (embracing). 

Anth. — My girl, my girl! The impress of her mother. 

Alexander. — Xiijht, night, father. 

Anth. — Farewell, little man. Alexander, the Greater! 

Cleo. — (To Antylis.) Come here, my dear young man. 

1, too, have lost a mother, and know 

What it is to lack one. (In his ear) Keep him safe, for me! 

(Martial music; exeunt, per stairs, Anthony. Antylis, train, et".) 

(The queen follows to top of stairs, listening till they are no longer 

(heard.) 
Charmion. Iris! (enter Char & Iris) 
He's gone, Charmion! O. gods, he's gone forever! 

Char & Iris. — O. madam, where is he gone? 

Cleo. — Why to the senate, merely. Ha, ha, ha. ha ! 
A very foolish fancy. ( Swooms on the stairs. General consternation.) 

Char & Iris. — Olympus, Olympus, Olympus! (Quick curtain.) 

ACT THE SECOND. 

Scene One. 
Life during Anthony's absence, a peevish queen, a 
humorous conflict with monotony, letters from Anthony, 
a messenger from Rome, "Mark Anthong is married." 
Strenuous moments with the messenger, lie saves his life 
with false description of Octavia ; Anthony's new wife. 
The Qiueen encouraged, sumptuously rewards the messen- 
ger, employs him with "A proper letter" for Anthony. 

The palace; Cleopatra, Charmion and Iris; the queens reclines upon 
a divan, holding a mirror; eunichs fan her. Cleopatra sighs. 

Cleo. — (Peevishly.) Talk to me, Iris! 

Iris. — About what, madam? 

Cleo. — Why, about anything! Just wag your tongue, like any woman. 
Stupid girl, have you no conversation? 
I learn, Charmion, that of all your queens. 
Your Cleopatra has most vanity. I 
And yet by my <;lass I know I am not 
Overflne of feature. 



11 

Char & Iris. — O, mistress! ,] 

Iris. — You do insult your gift to speak thus of it. 

Cleo. — Not at all. But, for want of better pastime — 
And forgetting modesty awhile, sweethearts — 
Tell me in earnest, if you think you can : 
•What property is this I own that still 
Transforms the greatest rulers in the world 
Into my doting servants? 

Char. — Julius Ceasar said it was your eyes. 

Cleo. — Mine eyes, indeed' 
Poor perishable gelatine, which will not 
Look upon your little orb, the sun, 
But askance and asquint ! 

Char. — Why, madam, none but the blind may hope to out-stare the sun. 

Cleo. — Pshaw ! 

Iris. — Others say it is your voiec. 

Cleo. — My voice? 
Methinks in anger 'tis as harsh and rude 
As your bellowing butterwoman's. 

Char. — Fie, madam ! I, myself heard Anthony say, many times, 
The melody of your voice surpassed the nightingale. 

Cleo. — Ah, me, my Anthony! 

Char. — You must be cheerful. 

Cleo. — I tell you. Charmion, 
Since Anthony's gone, hours are ages. 
These toys of life which once beguiled the time. 

Now sicken us even to nausea! (throwing down the mirror with a clatter) 
When he was here, ah, when he was here! 
Ye;\rs flew as moments; 

So short the nights, that ere our sport was done 
The sun was high in the East. Some music 
Give me; Romance or meloncoly lay (soft music), 
Something to soothe my aching heart a little. 
Ah, that's the note! the weird lullaby 
My old nurse sang. Pray you sing it, Iris. 

Iris. — Ahem ! Madam, I am hoarse. 

Cleo. — Iris, do as I bid y.m. 

Iris. — I'll do my best, madam (sings). 

O, come to my house of fantasy. 

Off, off. in the austral heights. 
O, come, if you'd mingle with mystery 

And revel in rare delights. 
O, come, take hands 
For the austral lands. 

Off, off, in the austral lands ! 
Madam I do forget the text. 

Cleo. — Excellent, my girl ! 
O. that your voire was audible to Pome, 
So Anthony might hear you ! Do you think, Charmion, 
Our austral lands will fetch him forth again? 

Char.— I do ; and this besides : He's thinking of you now, 
And yearning for the lyric life of Egypt. 

Cleo. — O, if I do not see him presently, 
Methinks I shall go mad! (enter Alexas) 

What have you there. Alexas? 

Alexas. — Sovereign lady, letters from Italy! (exit Alexas.) 

Cleo. — See, my women, see this miracle! 
The very gods have taken compassion upon me. (Breaking the seals) 
(Reading) 

"Howso the Fates mav make division of us. 



12 

"Be deaf to slander, and remember this: 

Cleo. — 'Yon were, you are and while I live shall be, 

"Tbe one woman in the wide world for me.'' 
There is a man! Finn alike to his love and duty. 

Iris. — What di es he meant by that, your majesty? 
1 Cleo. — 'You mere, you are and while I live shall be, 
'The one woman in the wide world for me.' 
That's plain enough, Iris. 

Was it the jealousy of the gods that reft him from me? 
In the infancy of life. Charmion, 
I dreamt of such a man/ 

The curls about my shoulders, my childish brain. 
Devised this Anthony. 

Char. — Ah, madam, I remember ! 
In the beautiful garden of Epicure. (re-enter Alexas.) 

Alexas. — Your royalty, in the west throne room, 
The lords you granted audience attend you. 
The hour is come. Will it please you to 
See them a: o tee? 

Cleo. — They may wait. 
The business now in hand is of the heart, 
'Tis most immediate! 

Divert them for awhile my good Alexas. (exit Alexas.) 

You may see, my women, "tis no mere fable. 
That this great ruler of half the world, 
Was known to your poor mis Nile. 

Why, here in this self-same room we would carouse. 
Sometime I hang upon his neck. 
And with my other hand. I'd cram his food 
Into his mouth till he cried out, "I'm choking" ! 
Then he would pursue me round the table 
And when he thought he trapped his little 'deer,' 
I'd dart aside, and shut the door up 
The nose of him ! 

('liar. — I'll swear 'tis a merry majesty! 

Cleo. — Isis, have mercy on us! 
We were two children when we were togehter. (taking up another letter) 
And yet he nothing writes of coming Ea-t. 
What's this? Twelve thousand horse and twenty thousand font! 

Iris. — Coming to Egypt? 

Cleo. — No; gone to the — ! (pointing downwards). 

Char.— O! O! O! 

Cleo. — His losses at Partlran Expedition. 
The fault he lays upon Armenia. 
'The coward king,' he says, 'withdrew his troops 
'Ere tile battle was begun.' 

Char. — This should not he had our good queen been there. 

Cleo.— Assuredly rot! I'd have his ear 
£The which I cram with clamorous su. 
Till it were deaf to any term hut 'triumph.' 

Char. — I'll warrant you. madam. 

Cleo. — Tie vows he have the base Armenia's head 
And celebrate the victory in Egypt. 
In Egypt, not in Rome, you heard that ladies? 

Char. — I fear Augustus will not like that part. 

Cleo. — Then, he may 'lump' it, ladies. (reenter Ale i 

Alexas. — Will you vouchsafe, to look on one who savs. 
He's sent with strange intelligence by one 
Of Anthony's friends. 



13 

Cleo. — Describe the man. 

Alexas. — 'Tis a very ragged, ■ v sort of a fellow. 

CI. it him. I still have found, (exit Alexas) 

More honesty in rags than cloth of gold. 

You're welcome, sir, most welcome. (enter Messenger) 

You say you're sent by one of Anthony's friends 
Mess. — Yes, your majesty (smiles). 
Cleo. — You could not < ome at a more proper time. 
'Tis radient with the advice that it fronts. 
Draw nearer, my good man, be bold and speak. 
We queens are human, too : we do not bite. 
If that your countenance deludes me not 
How is with the great Anthonius? 

Mess. — My report, your royalty. 
Is at one time both dir ' Rightful. 

Cleo. — Dire and delightful at one time ? Riddles? 
How shall I solve that? 
I have it, Iris ! 

Ceasar's vanquished; Anthony is victor! 
O, tell me that my lord's alive and well 
And I'll bombard thee with all jewels that I wear! 

Mes. — Calmly, madam, both the great rulers live. 

Cleo. — Anthony lives: O. art thou certain of it? 
s. — I'm sure of it, madam. 

Cleo. — (Throwing jewels to him.) Take these trinkets-' Some two hun- 
But what matter? Anthony lives! O, Charmion, (dred talents. 

This messenger transports me round with joy! 

Mess. — Moreover, sovereign lady, Ceasar 
And Anthony are now as staunch as brothers. 

Cleo. — You say they're friends again? 
O, more of such good news, and more shall be your fortune! (tossing him 

Mess. — (Faulteringly.) But gracious madam — ■ (more gold 

Cleo. — O, Charmion, he changes! 

Mess. — Since I have told you that the Emperor lives. 
My news is yet delightful. But, great lad 
I still must tell you wherefore it is dire. 

Cleo. — True. I had forgot. Yet even so, proceed: 
For I can bear the worst since Anthony 
Has happiness and health. 

5S. — The rest hangs on my tongue. I cannot say it. 

Cleo. — Cut with it: T say I'm fortified. 

. — I'll do my best, but may not speak directly. 
. — Well, then, your other riddlp 

Mess. — Mark me, madam : 
The eves of the world are upon her. 
>. — Upon whom? 

Mess. — Octavia. 

Cleo.— Indeed, she holds not Cleopatra's gaze. 
Our little pair are otherwise inclined. 

(to Char) There's no news in him. But say — in idleness — 
What marvels doth Marcellus' widow work. 

Mess. — 'Marvels' is good ; but she's no more a widow. 
Pile has devised the present peace of Rome, 
By most approved alliance. 

Cleo. — Wonderful woman. 

Mess.— Now she is bound 'twixt the great emperors. 
The sister of one, and the wife of the other. 

Cleo. — Suddenly.) Ah, what's that you say? 'Wife of the other'! 

Mess. — Marc Anthony is married. 



14 

Cleo.— O. O, my creatures ! quick, quick, I fall ! 
Feindish monster! If through thine arteries 
Did run one drop of blood that's human, 
You would not dream of word so horrible! 
Married? Shall I mistrust mine ear? 
'Mark Anthony is married'! Were those his words, my Iris? 

Iris. — Yes — O madam ! 

Cleo. — Sir. I am sorry for you! (glaring wildly about) My whip, my 

Iris & Char. — (to Mess) Run, run, if you love life! (whip! 

Mess. — O, I cannot move ! 

Cleo — 'Twere [tetter that his mother bore him mute. 
That he had never known the use of speec-u, — 
Than such a phrase, so small a word, should damn him! 
What! Does he stand there still! (seizing and hauling him about by the 
Dost thou want me to hill you? (hair 

Thou shalt be burnt for this an inch a day ! 
Sahara's sun shall parch and scorch 
Thy loathed carcass, year on year. 
Until the last destruction! Howl, thou villian, howl! 
Infamous falsehood ! 

Mess. — No madam ; he is married ! 

Cleo. — 'Tis time to stop his mouth! (drawing a dagger) (exit Mess 

(sinking on her couch) (in haste) 

Nilus recede! and yeild the scaled gorgons 
Of gaunt Neptune's realm! 
Let night be everlasting, and the sun. 
Fall from the clouds, a huge and useless stone! 

Char. — Madam, madam! I never saw you so unlike a queen. 
Why do you vent your rage upon this man 
Who as ambassador deserves respect. 

Cleo. — Death he deserves, and he shall have it. too. 
Yet call him back, I will not kill him now. 
Tell him so Iris! (exit Iris) Pity me. Iris: 
One rival dies, another one is straightway 
In the shoes of her ! 

Go bring him back, bring him back, Charmion, (exit Char) 

I would learn more of this antagonist. 

(re-enter Charmion, Iris & messenger) 
Ha! Had you the bonis and cloven foot, I could not hate you more! 
Yet I'll restrain myself. Sir, I would be reasonable. 
Tell me, have you ever looked upon her. 

Mess. — Whom? Anthony's wife? 

Cleo.— Wretch ! 

Mess. — Pardon, madam. Octavia, I should say. 

Cleo.— She. 

Mess. — Yes. your highness; I have seen her more than once in Rome. 

Cleo. — And can you name the color of her hair? 

Mess. — I do not know what color it resembles, 
But may be 'muddy' answers. 

Cleo. — 'Muddy.' You hear that Charmion? 
They will be dabbling with defective dyes. 
She cannot own but scanty quantity? 

Mess. — Why, madam, 'tis a most abundant growth! 

Cleo. — Thou poor, simple little man, the hair is false. 
Luxury, cut from the dead. 

Mess. — Yet for all her hair, madam, — 

Cleo. — You think she's mentally bald. 

Mess. — She's mentally bald! ha. ha, that's her, I'll warrant! 

Cleo. — Is she fine of figure, or tall as us? 

Mess. — No. madam. She's a — (indicating) 



15 

Cleo. — I see. Runt and squatty. 

Mess. — Now, by the book, you know her ! 

Cleo. — Her features, broad or narrow. 

Mess. — Her chin retreats, and with her neck is one. 
The upper lip protrudes, parted always, — 

Cleo. — Suggesting vacancy? 

Mess. — Yes, your majesty ! 

Cleo. — Why, Charmion, what sort of woman is this? 
I'll gambol he was drunken when he wed it. 
Tell me, has it any spirit? 

Mess. — None, madam. She neither smiles nor frowns. 

Cleo. — Neither smiles nor frowns? What think you Charmion? 

Char. — He'll never tolerate her? 

Cleo. — Why her manner is as mawkish as the moon. 

Mess. — Ha, ha, ha! 'Mawkish as the moon!' 

Cleo. — Truly, my dear girls, this is some scullery dowdy. 
Sir. there's half a kingdom for thee, (tossing gold) 
Bad letters will be burnt, so do not take 
My former anger hard. 

Mess. — I understand and thank your majesty. 

Cleo. — Charmion, three months, I grant her. 
If She or Italy, maintain him more, 
Dub me as dull as your illustrious mule ! 

Char. — I'll pledge my best robe, you'll have him here within a month. 

Cleo. — Depend upon me ! 
Sir, keep near the palace. 
You'll bear my letters to the emperor. 
I find you most efficient for my purpose. 
O, I will write him Charmion! — 
Char. — A proper letter ! 

Cleo. — Ha, ha, that's certain! Come! (Exeunt, all but messenger) 

Mess.- — What a strange world is this. 
Here I am. beaten lame, — nay, by the breath of a hair. 
Escaping with my life, — just for telling 
Your, good, gospel truth; whilst for seandelous lies, 
I get more gold than I can carry. Yet if she knew 
Octavia, for the gem she is, the queen 
Dies instantly! And. by the sort of a knife 
She carries, metbinks I should have died 
A little before that, myself. Ho, I must wait upon her! (exit) 

Scene Two. 
Anthony returns after four years absence. Cesaiion, the 
absurd "'King of Kings.'' His love for fish and hate for 
politics. The Frank Antyllus, he relates the coronation, 
"Rome rages." 

Augustus declares Avar on Egypt, Anthony responds, 
Cleopatra follows him, "Meet us at Actium." 

The palace ; enter Antylis, with Ceasarion, and a Nubian who carries 

Ceasorian. — They call me the King of Kings. (his fishing rods) 

Antylis, and yet they grant me no more authority than my Nubian here. 

Antyl. — That is not strange. The name is nothing; 'tis the man 
behind the name that counts. 

Ceasorion. — You say. aright Antylis. Howbeit, I'm satisfied. What 
should I do with a kingdom? Can I fish with it? No! Give me mine 
'anjjle. ha! Set me by the Nile where my bait is beloved, ah! Let none 



16 

"Be deaf to slander, and rei this: 

Cleo. — 'You were, you ile I live shall be, 

"The oife woman in the wide world for me." 
There is a n\an! Firm alike to bis love and duty. 

Iris. — WlVat does he meant our maj 

Cleo. — 'Y0N1 mere, you are and while I live shall be, 
'The one woma\ in the wide world for me.' 
That's plain enough, Iris. / 

Was it the jealousy of the gods that reft him from me' 
In the infancy of life. Char' 
I dreamt of such aYnan' 

The curls about my \houlders, my childish brain. 
Devised this AnthonyX 

Char. — All, madamXl remember ! 
In the beautiful garden Vf i (re-enter A 

Alexas. — Your royalty^ in the west throne roo 
The lords you granted audie id you. 

The hour is < ome. Will it please y< u to 
See them at once? 

Cleo. — They may wait. 
The business now in baud is of\the 
'Tis most i ime iiate ! 
Divert them for awhile my go< d Alexas. Alexas.) 

You may see, my worn* a, 'tis no rnWe fable, / 
That this great rider of half the w\rld, 
Was known to your poor mistress or the Nile. 
Why, here in this self -same room we Srould carouse. 
Sometime I hang upon his neck, \ 

And with my other hand, I'd cram his mpi 
Into his m. uth till be ^ 
Then he would pursue me round the I 
And when be tb >ught he trapped his little 
I'd dart i id shut the door up 

The nose of him ! 

Char. — I'll swear 'tis' a merry ma/esty! 

Cleo. — I ■■'■ . have iner y on us! 
We were two children when we r, ■ -iking up another letter) 

And yet be nothing writes of coming I 
What's this? Twelve thousand horse and twenty thVusand foot! 

Iris. — Coming to Egypt? 

Cleo. — No; gore to the — ! (pointing downwards). 

Char.— O: O! O! 

Cleo. — Hii lyau Expedition. 

The fault be lays upon 

'The coward king,' be says, withdrew his troops 
'Ere t >.' 

Char. — This should not/l e had our good queen been thereX 

Cleo. — Assuredly ■ ' have his ear 

ITbe which I cram with 
Till it were tfeaf to but 'triumph.' 

Char. — I'll warrant/you, madam. 

Cleo. — He vows b the base Armenia's head 

And celebrate the victory in Egypt. 
In Egypt, not in Rome, you : 

Char. — I fear Augustus will not like that part. 

Cleo. — Then, 'lump' : r. ladies. (reenter Ale 

Alexas. — Will vou vouchsafe, to look on one who s 
He's sent with strange intelligence by one 
Of Anthony's friends. 






17 

trouble mo, and I'll not give you my smallest catch for your whole Roman 
Empire. 

Antyl. — But Ceasorian, you are said to !:e the image of your father, 
the great Julius Ceaser. How is it. in the name of horse sense, you have 
none of his ambition in your composition ? 

Ceaso. — Ambition, you say? The liver me from such mortal dis- 

ease! I'd rather die of the palsey. 

Antyl. — Ambition, a disease? 

Ceaso.— Aye. Was not ambition the malady that killed my father? 

Antyl. — True, enough. Brutus slew him because he was ambitious. 
But I'll wager you fifty Nubians to one of your eels, ambition will never be 
the death of you. 

Ceaso.— Fifty blacks for one whole eel ! You make no such bargain by 
me. Besides I own the same opinion; lethargy shall end me— should I 
miss the hatchet, (yawning) Come, thou black— diamond giraffe, let's go 
home now. 

Antyl Stop. Ceasarion, I see Fhilotis. 

•■>. — 'Pell him to meet me at the new wing of my palace. I hold in- 
spection there. (exit wUh slave) 

Antyl. — Hello, Philotis; how's physics? 

Philo. — Welcome to Egypt! How long were you abroad? 

Antyl.— Nearly four years. Our new mother proved too sanctamonious. 

philo. — Sir, is it possible? 

Antyl.— We'll not talk of it, now, Fhilotis. Your friend Ceasarion 
and his fish bave just left me. 

Philo. — Which way? He owes me a talent. 

Antyl. — No haste. He meets you at the new wing of his palace. 

Philo. — He's well I hope. 

Antyl.— Tired as usual. He worries his mother. Cleopatra's prospect 
of hiving him one day acknowledged Julius Ceasar's rightful heir, grows 
remote and rediculous. 

Philo.— Too bad! 

Antyl. — Fish, fish, fish, is the one occupation of his hand and head. 

Philo. — Pray von. is it true he dislikes politii 

Antyl.— Politics, he hates! Abhor i rtaining to govern- 

ment. 'So dull,' he terms it. He jested just now upon the absurdity of his 
title, winch is Ceasarion, the King of Kings. Ha, ha/ I must laugh at it 
myself. 

Philo. — Who was it gave him such a name? 

Antyl. — Mark Anthony my father. I - it at the ceremony 

jh I learned from fair authority Ceasarion gained nothing but the 
name. 

.—Ami the oth 

Antyl. — Sit down. You see it was in this fashion: After the feast- 
ir * r I my father's arrival, he surprised the people, by inviting them 

t0 t!!( •>• the mi' 1 : here were placed up- 

on a silver platform, a throne for Cleopatra and a throne for my father 
both i were : olid gold. 

Philo.— This soun 's like a fairy tale! 

Antyl.- True, neverl | al of similar extravagance, my 

father said, placing a sparkling diadem upon the queen: 'I crown thee 

intra, queen of Egypt. Libya, Cyprus, and Southern Svria, together 
with those parts of Judea and Arabia which produce the fragrant 

Philo.— There was a gift, indeed ! O, I wish I had witnessed it. 
Antyl.— I'm very glad I was not present. Then turning to Alexander 
tneir :roung< ,,ved upon him the kingdom of Armenia — 

Philo. — What, Armenia? 

Antyl.— Yes. that is my father's latest triumph, the noise of which is 
yet in the air. But as I was saying, he gave him, Armenia. Media, and 



18 

Parthia, when it is conquered. 

Philo. — Pardon me, but is it not Ventidius invested with that com- 
mission? 

Antyl. — He is indeed; my father appointed him general against the 
Parthians. Young Ptolemy was next. To him he gave the cozy parcel of 
Phoeneia, Syria and Cilicia. 

Philo. — I should not think the good folks on the Tiber fancy such 
division in the Bast. 

Antyl. — Fancy 'it,' I tell you Philotis. Rome rages! They accuse him 
of attempting to establish a new empire in Egypt; of breaking the oath of 
his office, and what not. Why it is said that ia a drunken stupor he has 
dared to promise her the Empire itself. 

Philo. — Is it possible ! 

Antyl. — I should not wonder but great wars are brewing now. 

Philo. — Jove knows, there's ample cause. (exeunt) 

(enter Cleopatra, and Cbarmioi\; Iris follows with traveling apparel 
which she proceeds to attire queen.) 

Cleo. — My letters have fetched him forth again at last. 
O, what I have suffered in tins separation, 
None but the good gods know! Now that I've caught him 
Once more in my toils, not Death, divides us! 
But, Charrnion, in this Octavia, 
I am so pitiously deceived. 
I little thought that messenger would lie 
To save his paltry life. Yet. he was wise, 
I might say kind, for to know then, what now 
I know of her, should be the knife that kills me! 
A noble lady, beautiful and good, 
LoLved by the people and entirely pitied. 
Loved by the people and entirely pitied. 
By Anthony's commandment, as you know. 

Cleo. — Too well I know it. Yet my fears are legion. 
Therefore I go in person to '.his battle 
In spite of all who labor to prevent me. 
And why should I uol go? Am I inferi >r 
To haughty Herod or any king that serves Mare Anthony? 

Char. — You are superior, madam. 

Cleo.— 'Twere most unjust that we should be denied 
Our share of glory. We have loaned much; besides, 
Our people largely niann his navy, and 
Expect our person. (enter Alexas) 

Alexas. — Gracious majesty. Marc Anthony's abroad! 

Cleo. — TIaste, haste, Iris. 
My good Alexas. ship our equipment after. 
Provisions ai d gifts for the officers, 
And twenty thousand talents. 

Alexas. — I will do so, madam. 

Cleo.— Be niggard in nothing; not to emit 
Two thousand of our picked artillary. 

Alex.— I rememher, madam. 

Cleo. — You will meet us at Aetium. 

Alex. — Madam, at Aetium. 

Cleo. — So. good Alexas, let nothing alter 
Your celerity in this. 

Alex. — Your majesty's most obedient, (exit) 

Cleo. — Help her, Charmion. 
Contriving Ceasar, pitying my lord. 
As it were. — declares his wars on Egvpt. 
I'll take him at his word; I'll answer him 



19 

Tooth and nail. And, Iris, say to the Regent, 
I surrender the affairs of state to him, awhile. 
With you I leave the care of my dear children. 

Iris. — Next to our gods, they shall receive, my first consideration. 

Cleo. — Good Charmion, shall go with tis. 
(to Iris) Slight not the simplest details in your letters. 
If Helious so much as stubs his toe, 
Let me know it with your ink and paper. 

Iris. — Beleive me. madam. 

Cleo. — And the event, as yet invisahle, 
Jove grant be of a happy quality. (exeunt) 

ACT THE THIRD. 
Scene One. 

The "iSecret of Cleopatra's charms revealed, her fatal 
love, her bold and laughable manner of meeting Julius 
Ceasar, Anthony beloved of his army, enter Anthony, Au- 
gustus expected his very frosty reception, accusations, a 
dangerous quarrel, Anthony relates the famine of the 
Alps, "The barks of trees sustained me." "I did not then 
require the golden spoon." Augustus moved to tears, 
Anthony obdurate, Augustus seeks justice for his sister, 
the outcast wife, Anthony admits he wronged Octavia, 
"Her brother is less like her, than the Devil," she a sacri- 
fice of her ambitious brother. 

"Anthony, I here depose you !" 

Anthony ridicules the proscription : "Give it to your 
Alpine goats." 'Lisping Lepidus' their late partner, de- 
scribed. 

"Who talks of yielding? 
War is the word !" 

Actium, Greece. Anthony's tent; sentinels passing to and fro. 

First Pen. — Why do you frown, companion? 

Second Sen. — Who ever h< ard of ;■ great < mperor so tangled in a charm- 
er's petticoat? 

First Pei. — Not so loud. The very winds have ears. But tell me. 
what do you think is the secret of her witchery? Do you suppose it is this 
magic ?ob!et they speak of? 

Second Sen. — Goblet, your grandmother! For my own part, for the 
harm she does our captain, I dislike Cleopatra. Yet. withall, I have come 
under her spell every time I saw her. Her love. I fear is fatal to Anthony, 
fatal to any man under its influence. 

First Pen. — What was it made him lose with petty Parthia? 

Second Sen.— Why Cleopatra. While he waited for her arrival at 
White Village, he tried to drown the monotony in drunkenness. Even then, 
he would start suddenly from the table, run to the sea-shore, where he 
would gaze, like one intranced, far as his aid see. So great was his 

impatience to meet her. he forgot both engines and ammunition, which the 



20 

enemy quickly seized and destroyed. 

First Hen. — Strange it is: With all his faults, his army loves him none 
the less. 

Second Sen. — Why. we prefer his good opinion to our very lives. Did 
he not come from tent to tent, visiting the five thousand wounded s d 
weep? This great man wept ; the tears flowed like a child's, and d 
men seized his hands with joyful faces, crying they were sate, if Ann 
did well. 

i. — His good and evil are so intermixed, we are obliged to 
love hiin when we hate him. 

Second Sen.— Now you're talki 

First Fen. — But for Cleopatra: The secret of her charms? 

First Sen.— Tip not a secret. "Pis rather insight, remarkable insight 
it is ! She Icnoics a man at • 

Second Sen. — We might call it 'instinctive unde ?tanding of men's 
dispositions.' 

First Sen. — Thou are a scholar! Compare her methods of winning 
Julias Ceasar and Man- Anthony: With Cea ir she was sweetly sub- 
missive, and charmed him rather with her eli 

her courtesan's art. But with Anthony she e wayward playful- 

ness, and gay insaolence; why in fact, they say she opposes him in every- 
thing. 

Second Sen. — Say. did she net amaze Julius, at their first meeting, by 
emerging from a bale of rich rugs in e? 

First Sen. — Ha, ha! She did that. But poor Appoladoris ! 

Second Sen. — Ha, In! The unfortn carry his 

precious but weary load for miles! i ihet) 

First Sen. — Hark, hen e or! 

(enter Anthony. Canidus and forces) 

Anth. — You say he meets us here? 

Canid. — Yes, sir; at three o'clock. 

Anth. — Well, it's three now. I will not wait him long. 

( another trumphet) 

Canid. — That's him now! 

Anth. — What the devil does lie want? Let him fight 
And parley afterward. 

Canid. — I trust that you will civilly receive him. 

Anth. — Never! (enter Ceasar, Aggrippa, with detachment) 

Anth. — Well, sir. what would you with lis? 

Ceasar. — Marc Anthony, 
My present business is not news to you, 
Or, if it is, I think you've partly guessed it. 

Anth.- Partly true: We have entirely guessed it. 
But did suppose tint your affairs at R 
Might keep you there, moreover, out of mischief. 

isar. — Ha! T rather think the mischi tr part, 

So much indeed, 'tis quite irreparable. 

Anth. — You think so. 
It would aii; 'ear. according to your thinking, 
That Anthony is dealt with as a bondman! 
He 'thinks' so ! Know, 
Young gentleman. I still perform my office 
And what / do, / do not wish undone. 

Cea ar. — 'Your office' ! 
Is it your office, unceasingly to lie 
In an Egyptian's lap? Never to walk, but womaned? 
To avoid as a disease, the seat and centre 
Of your duty. Rome? 
To caper with buffoons, carouse with panders. 



21 

To feast and sleep, and live inebriate, 

In luxury and lust! You call that, 'office'? 

(During the foregoing accusation, with increasing rage, Anthony ap- 
proaches Ceasar, hut is calmed by Oanidus and returns to original position.) 
Anth. — If that was not my office, sir Inquisitor, 

Then it is also, none of your business. 

Where are your scruples? You, to whom it should be 

The shame of your life, to speak a word against me, 

Dare to beload me with blackguardly terms. 

All of which are totally unfounded. 

What was it to you, if I should mix. — 

With fifty winter's white upon my head, — 

My labors with a little luxury, 

What was it to you, my self appointed censor? 

Hum ! I smell the dictator ! 

You chide me for my superfluity ! 

Boasting, I detest. It kills our merits. 

But since some folks are beastially forgetful 

Of incidents that flatter not themselves, 

I must re -all a content with yourself and Lepidus : 

Lo ! on the Alps, our store of foods depleted, 

Flesh, such as mankind did never taste before, 
Did satisfy my hunger. I tell you, man. 

The barks of trees sustained me! The stagnant pool, 
Was my so'e drink, and for my cup, my helmet ! 
I did not then require the golden spoon ; 

No ! I thrived on roots, and I was glad to have them ! 

(Remorsefully.) O, for such another tribulation, 
That I might prove to some of thankless Rome, 
There's a little of the old quality left ! 
Soldier. — Look ! Ceasar weeps ! 
Ceasar. — Anthony ! Anthony ! 
Then I envied you and all the world admired. 
But sir, your latter conduct has outraged 
My place as partner. 
Anth. — 'Partner'! What have you done to merit such a name? 
Ceas. — It is not a matter of what I have done, Anthony, 
But rather of that which I've inherited: 
I claim that title for my heritage. Do you, Anthony? 

Anth. — But did you earn it? No! 
Where were you when they murdered Julius Ceasar? 
Stop! I'll answer for you: 
Some place remote in Greece, intent upon 
Your own particular pleasures. Rome was nothing to you. 
But when the word passed that you were his heir. 
You dropped as from the skies! You swooped upon us 
To demand your claim, before dear Julius 
Had bis burial. Ha! But I made you wait ahit ! 
Then at Phillipi, too, 'gainst the assnsins. 
I was compelled to lead the seige alone. 

Whilst you retired from the din and smoke (with a mocking whimper), 
Because you had a he ulache ! 

<'eas. — It is well known my sickness at that time, 
Was more than headache. 

Anth. — Yes, I remember now. Canidus : 'twas 
The old malady, chronic superstilion. 
One of his friends told ore of his friends. 
That one of his friends, had a bed dream. 

Ceas. — Tho' it may please you to make sport of me 



22 

And jest at my expense, it may happen, sir, — 
As tlie proverb runs : — that / will laught last. 

Anth. — But never better. 

Ceas. — Anthony, the past is gone. 

Anth. — Bui not forgotten! 

Ceas. — My mission now, 
Is with regard to causes paramount. 
The first, — and that which lies immediate my heart. — 
Is in defence of my abused sister. 
I, as her brother and her guardian, 
Require to be answered. Therefore, s : r. 
What do you do, and what intend to do. 
In justice to your wife, outcast Octayia? 

Anth. — I might reply by asking you the same, 
Since both of us are grieviously to blame. However. 
In justice to Octavia be it said. 

The lady is much wronged, much wronged, indeed ; 
And well deserved a better man 
Than Anthony is capable of being. 

Ceas. — So you acknowledge it. eh? 

Anth. — As for her virtues. — those her angel parts, — 
I will say so much : 

Her brother is less like her, than the devil! (Ceasar draws) 
One moment, sir; let me ask one thing: 
Do you lore your sister? 

Ceas. — Love her! Let my sword prove it! I love my dearest sister 

Anth. — Pardon my plainness, but you lie! 
You know my weakness, — hard-hearted vidian — 
Knew that I was and ever will 1 e bound. 
To the Egyptian's magic soul and body. 
This wearied you, and you longed to have me 
Out of the way, along with Lepidus 
And Sextus Pompey. To accomplish this. 
You match'd my marriage with this dearest sister 
Realizing my inability 
To long live with her, and recompense 
Her stellar qualities, would rear the world 
Against me, and thus make sure my ruin. 
Then would this murderer, this sister elapsed in arm, 
Mourn h!s dead brother. O, you gods, 
Why was I ever partnered with the like? 
Here stands a r uge of such iniquity. 
Who under a high priest's cloak would shudder not, 
To inforce a holy grail to deal men, poison! 
may Julius walk again, and haunt you for it! 

Ceas. — / will speak! 

Anth. — Not yet, servile cozener (turning to ('anions, etc.). 
Fulvia's death left me a widower. 
And heaven is above, I did intend 
And heaven is above ; I did intend 
To marry Cle >patra ! wed ling my love. 
So that the in-ulting finger of the world 
Might not be pointed at her and our children. 
But thanks to. him, who says he's Ceasar's nephew, — 

Ceas. — Not one word more ! 

Aggrip. — Gentlemen, your offices are sacred. 

Anth. — And yet he swears he loves his 'dearest' sister. 
Ceas. — I swear again, and that for mutual peace. 
The lady I have futilly sacrificed. 

Anth. — You sacrificed her! Yes, you did. — 



23 

For your ambitious, sordid selfishness. 

Aggrip. — Bear with him Ceasar; his cares have wrecked his reason. 

Ceas. — The license of his speech becomes the mad man, 
Not an emperor. Know, Anthony, 
There is a wall that circles human patience ; 
You have leapt it. So, for my second cause. 
Which I had hoped I might break gently to you, — 
But since you teach me to forget all kindness, 
I will a little your good lesson show, 

Even in this: (drawing forth a writing) : 'Tis a hard word, Anthony, 
But I here depose you. 

Anth. — You depose me? Ha, ha, ha ! 
Why that's the be-<t jest since Lepidus rolled under the table. 
You depose me, eh? Hum; on what authority? 

Ceas. — Mine own, the senate's and the commonweal's. 
Will that suffice? Rend the decree (att'nt passes it to him). 

Anth. — You had a finger in it! Take the vile writ. 

Ceas. — Read it, read it. 

Anth.- (Tearing and throwing it down.) Then take it rent in pieces! 

Hence to your marbles and you billard balls. 
When you are shaving, come and talk to me ! 
Show them out, Canidus. 

Ceas. — Not a whit ! He grows obdurate. 
Gods, were it not, — 

Anth. — 'Were it not,' what? 

Ceas. — That you were mine uncle's friend, 
Al'.eigence would I throw unto the dogs/ 

Anth. — Then throw that (indicating the writing) to you ill-fed, Alpine 
And bid them feed up it. It's useless here ! 

Canid. — O, Anthony ! 

Anth. — No, good, Canidus ; you must not think that I 
Am likely to be moved, seeing terrier's teeth. 
We're too familiar with the tusks of lions. 

Ceas. — Anthony, for honour's sake, no more. 
I have been taught to reverence the aged, 

Anth. — Holy sarcasm ! 

Ceas. — And now repent this wrangling exposition 
In the presence of our troops. 

Anth. — Not so with me. 
Mine army knows me for the man I am: 
My rougher nature is no stranger to them. 

Aggrip. — (aside) Humor him, Ceasar. Urge it again. 

Teas. — (attendant handing him the wrjting. ) Well, we have quarrelled 
Let us conclude. What is your disposition? (long enough. 

Here the proscription reads, — 
'Provided you dark not the gates of Rome, — 
'You may retain your personal routine 
'And private fortune. Would you ask more? 
The writ, all points considered and well weighed 
Is liberal and just. 

Anth. — Sounds 'jus? enough, and somewhat like the lot, 
Of our late partner, lisping Lepidus. 

Ceas. — Yes. it does recall the wealthy Lepidus. 

Anth. — By the way. what's become of the old boy? 
His army, his government, his revenue? 
'Tis sleepy in the East, for Italy 
You parcel out to all and only your men. 
Leaving naught for mine. 'Twas very good of you 
To take Sicily from great Pompey's son. 
I must thank you for my share of it. (ironically) 



24 

Ceas. — Did yon divide Armenia with me, Anthony? 

Anth. — That's no comparison. 

Ceas. — It certainly is. Moreover, your soldiers. 
Having Media and Parthia, entirely, 
Have no claim on Italy. As for Lepidns, 
I was advised to oust him : he grew savage. 

Anth. — (>, let us laugh! Could Lepidns be savage, Aha. ha. ha! 

Ceas. Come, Anthony: we wander from the point. 
What of this mandate? sure yon accept it. 

Anth. — Well, thus it stands: We cannot please you how, 
But at another time I may embrace your offer. 

Ceas. — Sir, that's no answer. Not what yon may, but 
What you will is what we want to know. 
Be definite: Tell us, when. 

Anth. — Willingly, willingly. Let me see, let me see! 
Yes! When I am blind, paralyzed, pdsied! 
Toothless, hairless, helpless, hapless, and hopeless! 
No, no ; not even then, for then I have a sword, 
Will put my pains into a swift conclusion. 

Ceas. — Sir. yon mock me. 

Anth. — Not in the least. Why. 'tis a fair offer. 
And I accept it. when I like Lepidns, — 
— You gods forbid, — am sorted with the dog 
That's gutter gotten! Lepidns, who sits. 
His feet to the fire, — indifferent to insult, — 
Morning, noon and night. He. the unprincipled, 
Who, being routed from his bed, would whine. 
'Please master-, let me sleep'! Then pillow his head 
On the pavement, and instantly be snoring. 
Too impotent for crime, incapable of any act that's noble : 
Sir I assure you. 

When I am low as Lepidns, then you may launch 
This 'Lepidns trick' upon me! Meantime, 
We are Anthony, Triumviror! (cheers from Anthony's side) 

Ceas. — Then. Anthony, I understand, you do not mean to yield. 

Anth. — Let him be burned alive, who talks of yielding! 
Why, / trill fight you, with my blood's last drp! 

Ceas. — Use your best judgment. WAR is the word' 

Anth.— The word is WAR ! 

( Jeas. — Tomorrow, sir. 

Anth. — Tonight if yon will. 

Ceas (going. — But I know he is a gypsie's fool. 
And cannot choose but loose. (exeunt Ceasar, Agrippa and forces) 

Anth. — Let him beware the Gypsie's fool! 
(To soldiers) Your place there! (going up and down the hies with drawn 
Now, every eye erect. ( sword 

If there's a grain of cowardice amoungst you. 
Let is come forth and perish presently. 
And not disgrace mine army on the morrow ! 
What, my brave hearts: Victory is ours! About! 
I shall tomorrow morn he sending for yon. 

March quietly to quarters. (martial music; exeunt the forces) 

Do you think Canidius, our ancient gladiators 
Could have surpassed them? 

Canid. — That were impossible. For a most splendid army. 
Considerable valor, strength, youth and endurance, 
Your stands supreme. 

Anth. — Tomorrow they will figth like Spanish bulls! 

(Curtain) 



25 
Scene Two. 
The kiss of Cleopatra. Persuaded by the Queen the 
battle fought by sea. Anthony's navy inferior to Ceasar's. 
The Queen appears in person at the battle. 

The same ; Anthony, Canidius and guards. 

Anth. — Give me the schedule. 
You know Canidius, we're furnished well by sea, 
But do not think we'll be required to use them. 

Canid. — Do not try to, I pray you. 'Tis no time for experiments. 
Let them be spectators. 

Anth.- — Therefore make charge. Canidius, upon this extremity. 

Canid. — 'Tis a likely point. Hark, the queen, (aside) Confound her! 

Anth. — Up so soon? Even with the birds astir? (enter Cleo.) 

Cleo. — They who sleep whilst their ruination gapes, 
Should gasp 'good night' and give up his ghost. 
If I but blinked I saw a sea of tire, 
Rivers of blood incircled me around. — 
The groans of lying chilled me throu' and through. 
And every face was ghastly ! O let me not 
Close mine eyes whilst this event is pending. 

Anth. — Come to me. Bravo's princess ! Let heaven note, 
There is more stimulus in this great kiss. 
Than all physician's herbs or medicines! 
Thou art an Amazon, and tutor starters, 
Rudiments of valor. How are you now, 
My fairest, fairy queen? 

Cleo. — As you would have me, my dear Anthony, 
E'en t'wards such perfection ever do I strive. 

Anth. — As 1 would have you. most dear lass, so you are, 
Nay never were aught else to me, — ■ 
Sole aspiration of my supreme joy. 
Therefore, dear heart, in anguish labour not. 
It is so good to have you with me now, — 
My bonny girl, — for we've had hard words here. 

Cleo. — Not with Augustus? 

Anth. — Yes. you have guessed it. 

Cleo. — Would I had overtake'" him ! He should know 
What it is to speak scantily of Egypt! 

Anth. — Why. my dear heart, 
He had thought to beat me out of empire 
With so much ink and paper. Think of that! 

Cleo. — I would not put it past him. 

Anth. — Such a trim one it is. 
To come here with overtures of peace, 
Full of reproof and all self assurance. 
Not to mention my scribed resignation. 
While the Ionian swarms with his navy, 
And Greece with his army. The gods! Does he think we're blind? 

Cleo. — Or did he expect to find us hobbling on crutches? 

Anth. — So shall we find THEM, tomorrow 

Cleo. — Today you mean. 'Tis now four of the morning. 

Anth. — Today, my queen. This battle shall decide. 
If Anthony be reckoned by mankind. 
Ruler or neutral ! Come ! 

Cleo. — If not by sea, how do you purpose fighting? 

Anth. — Why. by land, my love. 



26 

Cleo. — Come, fickle boy, your vev on? 

Anth. — Why, lady de.iv, there our advantage lies. 
And our equipment is by far superior. 
Twelve thousand horse, an hundred thousand foot. 
Of thorough soldiers, exceeding Ceasar's 
By full twenty thousand. Six vassal kings 
Serve us in person with their forces ; besides 
Herod, king of the Jews; and the Median king 
Send this chosen troops. Why, Cleopatra, 
Half that would suffice to heat the young man. 
And his recruits, to a porridge! 

Cleo. — How he talks! My lord. I know one way; and that's the sea 

Canid. — No, no, no, no, no! No not listen to it! 

Cleo. — Tf you'd surrender all, then fight by land. 
But, if you seek redemption for ourselves, 
By all the gods, I cry, male war hit sea! 

Anth. — (-Embracing; ) Take this, for that for there's much profit in it. 
I could pay your council fee with gold, 
For it is priceless. Sirs, the queen shall rule us. 

Canid. — Destruction, disgrace and death! 

Anth. — Consider, therefore, madam, what you do. 
Let gravity direct you, direct your every action. 
For you have the steerage of half the world! 
And you must know, on our success, depends. 
The love, the liberty and life of us! 

Cleo. — I know, I know. Delay no longer! 
Our preparations stand in readiness, 
And all is bent for sea ! (exit Cleo) 

Anth. — For sea! So he has dared me. 
Bid some inform him. that we do return. 
His challnege to his teeth! (exit att.) 

What says Canidius? Sure you approve the change? 

Canid. — You want my frank opinion? 

Anth. — Why. a — what else. Certainly, Canidius. 

Canid. — Well, then. J think you're going crazy. 

Anth.— Ha ! 

Canid. — Why, will you fight by sea? 
By land you are the soldier nonpareil. 
By sea we know not what! Tis merely chance. 
A needless hazard, a disastrous slight, 
Of your vast soldiership. (enter soldier, running) 

Soldier. — O, emperor, what is it I hear? Do not fight by sea, ! 
The crews are farm hands, boys and mule drivers. 
The ships are showy, clumsy, hard to manage! 
Ceasar's are swift, Ceasar's are perfectly manned! 

Anth. Don't, don't he talking. 

Soldier. — See hut the scars, these marks of service. 
Got in the fields not on the shambling gaily. 
Let fish and Egyptians sink or swim. 
We can triumph fighting on the earth, 
And foot to foot in hlood. 

Anth. — Sirs, I have said, the queen shall rule us. 
'Tis a knowing queen. I wish I had her wisdom. 
Why. why, what's the matter? 
Down in the mouth and scowling all upon me. 
I want to see you looking cheerfully. Yes. cheerfully. (exit) 

Canid. — Hounds and hangmen! The man grows childish! 

Soldier. — What is the reason he prefers the farmers. 
Do you know. Canidius? 



21 

Canid. — Yes, soldier, I could tell you, but not now. 

Soldier. — Go on; I'll not repeat it. 

Canid. — Well then, our captain's Cleopatra, not 
Anthonius. And she all occupied 
In her voluptuousness refers the business, 
To her waiting women. Alas, old soldier, 
Our wars are managed now by Cbarmion, 
Hair-dressing girls and ornamental half-men. 

Soldier. — Is this the Anthony, for whose sole sake, 
I'm riddled like a target? I cannot, cannot believe it! (exit) 

Canid. — Poor old soldier! His loss is worse than ours. 
For he has cast his best days to teh wind. 
(To guards) Come! Strike drums! 
We will review this battle from the shore. 

Tho' much I fear our general wins no more. (exeunt) 

ACT THE FOURTH. 

Scene One. — Arrival of Cleopatra, alone, in Alexandria. — Defeat ap- 
parent — her children, first consideration — regrets having attended the 
battle "War is man's work only!" her friend, Archibius — her great plan of 
escape — 

Scene Two. — Ventidius, conqueror of Parthia — evil omens — the disgrace- 
ful flight of Anthony from Actium described — victory of Augustus — return 
of Anthony — his mental derangement — thinks himself Timon the hater of 
mankind — recognizes Ventidius — confession — advice and warning of Ven- 
tidius — Anthony will leave Cleopatra — his children's voices — "Take me 
Octavia, take me Cleopatra" — he great struggle with conscience — "You must 
guide me, for indeed, I have somewhat lots the way." — Ventidius will lead 
him forth to triumph. 

Scene Three. — Alexas. supplicant for the queen — Anthony again in 
armour — Alexas successfully wins Anthony again for the queen. 

Enter Anthony and Cleopatra — her aversion for Ventidius — more of 
the bold and wonderful plan of escape — warships hauled over forty-five 
miles of land — their future real home in India — felicity in the wilderness. 

The false Stewart — warships burnt by Jews and Arabs — all their plans 
frustrated — horrible death of the false Stewart — warning to servants — 
Anthony will fight to the end. 

ACT THE FOURTH. 

Scene One. 

Arrival of Cleopatra, alone, in Alexandria, depeat 

apparent her children, first consideration. Regrets having 

attended the battle. "War is man's work only!" Her 

friend, Archibins, her great plan of escape. 

Alexandria, night. 
A platform before the palace overlooking the Me litterrenean ; prepara 
tion for the triumphant return of Anthony and Cleopatra. Present, court 
officials ,etc, some peering anxiously towards the sea. others conversing. A 
whirlwind rises. 

1st Official. — Let us withdraw. A violent storm approaches. 

2nd Official.- Let us go in. This tempesl is the harbidger of evil. 

(Shouts in the distance.) 
3rd Official.— What noiso is this? 
1st Official. — It sounds like shouts of joy. 

(enter another official in great haste") 
Last Official. — News, friends! The red glimmer of the royal galley. 
Sighted off Pharos' Isle. (general acclamation) 



28 

But O, how different now. than when they left 
For Actium. Now no silken sails nor 
Purple streamers dancing on the wind. 
A very shadow of their former glory 

(A peal of groans, followed by several minutes of suspense, then the 
sound of a gong, rattle of chains, etc.) 

Voice without. — Make way for the queen! (the storm subsides) 

(Enter Cleopatra .heavily draped in mourning, her friend Arehibios at 
her right. Charmion at her left, followed by the Regent, Iris, etc., and 
populace.) 
A Citizen. — Hark, Archihious speaks! 

Archib. — The queen desires to make known, that no statement will be 
made regarding the battle of Actium until tomorrow morning. This is 
owing to the lateness of the night, and her majesty's eminent need of rest, 
(the populace exeunt, disappointedly.) 

Cleo. — We'll take it for a favorable omen, 
That thou. Archibius, leadest me home, 
In these hours of extremest anguish. 

Archis. — Ever your royalty's most humble servant. 
Never so true as in the time of trouble. 
This arm, this life, is yours ! 
Cleo.— I know it, Archibius! But, O! What of my children? 

Irns. — All is well with them, madam. 

Cleo. — I thought of them constantly, and nothing else ! 
O, I have learned by bitterest instruction, 
A mother's place essentially, is with 
Her children, and war, is man's work only ! 

(at the door a litter is held open for her) 
Thank you, I will walk. 
The rocking of our gaily in the tempest. 
Makes me dislike the litter. Coming home. Archibius, 
I thought of a device — an idea that might yet redeem the lost. 

Arch. — Most dauntless majesty. 

Cleo. — The thought of it dispels my weariness. 
Summon at once tbe capitain of the harbour, 
The chief councillers of the war office. 

Together with the superintendents of [$ 

Defences on land and sea. They must be here, 
Within two hours! (exit att.) 

I will examine, Archibius, 
All plans and charts of the eastern frontier. 
Particular, the canals of the Delta. 
But first, let me see my children! (exeunt) 

Scene Two. 

Ventidins, C'onquerer of Parthia, evil omens. The dis- 
graceful flight of Anthony from Actium described, victory 
of Augustus, Return of Anthony,his menial derangements, 
thinks himself Timon, the hater of mankind, recognizes 
Ventidins, confession, advice and warning of Ventidins. 
Anthony will leave Cleopartra, his child reus' voices,"Take 
me Octavia, take me Cleopatra." The grand struggle with 



29 

conscience. "Yon must guide me, for indeed, I have some- 
what lost the way." 

Ventidius will lead him forth to triumph. 

The same. About a week later. 

(Enter Ventidius and Canidius, meeting.) 

Canid. — Ventidius ! 

Ventid. — My good Canidius ! 
I'm glad to see you looking, sir, so well. 

Canid. — Thank you. 
I thought you were engaged at Parthia. 

Ventid. — So I was ; but have finished my work there. 

Canid. — How, finished? 

Ventid. — Well, Poeorus being slain. — my business there is ended. 

Ventid. — Poeorus slain! 

Ventid. — At last I have the head of him. 

Canid. — Hail to the conqueror of Parthia's king! Am I right, Ventidius? 

Ventid. — Quite right. But I thought you were employed at Actium. 

Canid. — Fact is, I am but newly come from there. (enter Olympus 

Olympus. — Sirs, from abroad come strange reports ! 

Ventid. — What, I pray you? 

Olympus. — Pisaurinm. Anthony's own colony, 

Swallowed by an earthquake ! 

Sirs, from his statues at the city Alba, 

A l'ioody perspiration pours in torrents, 

And saturates all moping applications! 

The temple of Hercules struck by lightning! 

At Athens, too, a whirlwind rose and tore 

The massive form of Baccus — Anthony's god — 

From that sculpture called the Battle of the Giants, 

The remainder standing wholly undisturbed. 

Why, gentlemen, I learn. 

All images. all pictures and all coins. 

That do pertain to great Marc Anthony, 

Mysteriously, are utterly demolished! 

pardon me. sirs, I must comfort <iie queen. (exit) 

Ventid. — Such prodigies 1 never beard before. 
These are most strange. 

Canid. — Strange you call them? 
O, rather do I fear they're the ill omens, 
Presaging his imperative decline. 

Ventid. — Something you have not told me. 
If you be friend to me. r-anceal no longer! 
Tell me what has befallen the emperor? 

Canid. — I do not want to mar your happy hour. 

Ven. — No matter. Is he dead? 

Canid. — Worse than (bat: Disgraced. 

Ven. — No ! 

Can. — Forgive me. gods, that I should call him coward, 
Yet such he is. since he so basely flew. 
Caught in the streamers of the dusky queen. 
Who thinking that her dinky locks were awry. 
Fled from the scene to get her looking-glass. 

A T en. — Tnfernal witch ! 

Can. — And Anthony after! Yes. our Anthony, 
Deserted his fleet in the battle's heat. 
And left all to destruction ! 

Ven. — The emperor — Anthony did this? My soul, my sou^! ! This at 



30 

Can. — Aye. Mine army in best form and keen for action, (Aetimn? 
Lay crouching like sharp leopards for the prey, 
Awaiting but the word. When into the tent 
This Cleopatra floats; then the witch kissed him! 
Yon guess the rest : ALL our plans were blasted ! 
The queen had purple sails to show and found 
It well to curse our hattle with them. 
So they fought by sea, and we not employed. 
But were compelled to helpless watch this scene 
Most horrible ! 

Yen. — He must and shall leave her! What composed his navy? 

Can. — Miserable recruits, picked up on farm, 
On street, and from the highway, manned his navy. 
Whilst we, my twenty legibTis ana twelve thousand horse, 
Stood patiently upon the shores of Greece. 
Seven days we waited, faint and sick at heart. 
The coming of our captain, Anthony. 
But he came not nor no message scut he; 
Sure, it is plain he has forsaken us. 
Else, ere this he would come forth and lead us. 
Against Ceasar. 

Cen. — What is he now? 

Can. — On Pharos* Isle, 'tis rumored. 

He admits no one; he raves and says 
He's Timon, the Athenian; Thron, the hater! 

Ven. — Time will eradicate this crazed remorse. 
And he will yearn to wield his manly sword ; 
For, I know Anth mius will not forsake you. 
Since you have waited, wait a little longer. 

Can. — Too late! King Herod leads the long line of deserters. 
I have followed ! 

Ven. — You have yielded? 

Can. — It was the last resort. 

Yen. — Never call Yentidius thy friend, more! 

Can. — Farewell. Of this I'm -are: You. shortly shall do likewise. 

Yen. — Heaven, prevent me! But stop. Canidiu-. 
Now can you inform me. what stranger this may lie, 
Who comes, heavy and thick, like the winter's snow. 
With the faultering step, so wret -bed, so crestfallen? 
Mark you, he bears himself, not like a man 

Can. — I know him not, and yet I think I do. 

Yen. — Yet, you shall mark me many such a man. 
Bent thus with years of patient expectation — 
Dreaming of days they shall not even glimp e. 
Not losing hope till they have lost their lives. 
Their reverend frames crooked like the broken hoop, 
Till one would think they stood prepared to leap 
Head-long into their yawning graves! 

Canid. — You have described this man. 

Ven.— You gods! 'Tis He! 

Can. — The emperor! Yentidius, hastily, farewell! 
This sight would make me blind! (exit) 

Yen. — So should your guiltiness, (enter Anthony in great petrubation) 

Anth. — It was the woman, headsman! The woman, woman! 
The smiling, ensnaring, fair fiend! 
I pray thee, kill her! Strike, strike, strike, strike! 

Ven.- — Behold him, now. 
A fitting inmate for the insane regions. 

Anth.- — Split, earth (throwing himself down). 
And let thy yawning crevice close me in. 



31 

That I may see no more. Aethim, Actium, Actium ! 
Ah, good, you gracious, glorious kind gods, 
Dismiss me here; let not my shame destroy me! 

Sen. (to Anth.). — Surely, you know your firm old friend, Ventidius? 
If nothing is base as man's ingratitude, 
Then what is worse than woman's? »s7/c had a heart of stone! 

Anth. — I know you all, notorious, traitorous frauds! 

Yen. — Anthonius ; Emperor ! 

Anth. — Who calls me emperor? Who, Anthonius? 
You're talking now. to Timon, the Athenian! 
He who hates mankind, humanity abhors ! 
Let me prove it! (throws stone) 

Ven. — How fortune will misuse us ! 

Anth. — (Digging and taking up some earth.) Take you in either hand, 
an even quantity of king's and beggarman's dust, thus : Let your eyes 
persue the quality of each, thus : I'll warrant you discover the king's as 
barren as the beggarman's and as foul too. 

Yen. — Stars, how he wanders! (to Anth.) You woidd infer, sir, 
'All's one in death and Death's the end of all.' 

Anth. — Exactly! That's familiar. Where heard you it? 

Ven. — 'Tis an old adage, sir, decried by those 
That think Death the beginning. At least tis so in Rome. 

Anth. — You are a Roman? 

Yen. — -(aside) Sometime he'll know me. (to Anth) I hope I am a true 
Anth. — 7 was a Roman, once. (one. 

Once in the dear, flown days beyond recall. 

Yea. — You are so still. 

-Anth. — No, no, no, no! (letting the sand ooze thro' his fist) 
Mark you, how the rascal's dust trickles through 
My gritted clutch! Is he not a man refined? 

Yen. — (aside) Off again! Yes. sir: Powdered and polished. 

Anth. — 'Powdered and polished' is good! 
See lads, the punishment of drabbing: 
All is deflowered, blasted and defiled. 
And the fair native beauty of the world 
With yesterday is gone; and naught remains 
To grace our jaded sense, but the vile dregs 
The sickly gets of brutish profligates, 
Anthony, one of the worst! 

Yen. — See how his conscience stings liim ! 

Anth. — O, rotten pl-niks. let in the sea, 
And let the billows swallow me ! 

Yen. — Actium, again. Sense and nonsense mixed. 
Let me again intreat yon, my good lord. 
Is there not aught amiss? 

Anth. — Amiss? Why nothing, nothing, sir, except I trow 
That something wrong is righted. 'Tis merely this. 
In the revolution of this giddy globe. 
An Anthony's forgotten. 

Yen. — Never believe it ! 

Anth. — Ah, but mine every sense insists. 
Both ear and eve, smell, taste and hand. 
Have each proclaimed the message of my doom. 
But fie! What's that to you? 
You would extort from me my griefs. 
Then blurt them forth as ale-house entertainment. 
To gibe and chuckle o'er. Would you not? 

Ven. — I wonder that you ask- me such a question. 

Anth. — Have you not called we coward, eoistrol. slave? 

Yen. — Who said I did lies, basely. 



32 

Anth. — How merciful ! 
I should hae taken you for the mercenary sort, 
But I now bethink me, you are indeed. 
The only honest man, res-iding 
Under the moon. Have we not met before? 

Yen. — Well, a— I should hope that we may meet as many times again! 

Anth. — That voice I know, and seems to me, I've seen 
That face before. Sometime on the Alps? 

Yen. — Why right, you are. my general ! 

Anth. — Great gods ! Yentidius. Yentidius, Yentidius ! 

Yen. — Knew you me not 'til now? 

Anth. — O. I am far gone! Here ('offering sword) plunge home, to the 
'Tis death too good for one, who so misused (heart.' 

His sole surviving friend ! 

Yen. — Sheath thy sword ! One drop of blood of Anthony's 
Is worth a sea of mine! 

Anth. — Noble Yentidius ! 
You must forgive me. sir. and know henceforth, 
When you shall find your Marcus overbearing, 
'This not his will but his infirmity 
That makes him inconsiderate. For like these days 
Of Rome's Triumvirate, they say T am 
Full two-thirds to the windward : 
Nay, within the compass of her daily route. 
The blazing sphere, hears ages on my back. 

Yen. — When such a rumor fell upon my ear. 
I could not, for my life, give credit to it, 
But looking on your much distorted self. 
I must deplore, it something is, in fact. 
Come and sit here, and tell me all about it. 
Confine to me that which has wrought you to. this awful purtubation. 

Anth. — You will not mock me, sir? 

Yen. — 'Fore heaven, I love you better. 

Anth.— So then. 
Thou know'*st at Actium we assembled, — 
This Ceasar and myself, for the grand conflict. 
Which should decide, whether the boy or I. 
In the manage of this little ball, the earth. 
Should be subordinate. 

Yen. — Yes, sir, I have heard so much. 

Anth. — Persuaded by the queen, the battle was by sea. 
• Ven. — Alas, alas ! 

Anth. — Whilst I stood deaft to tho^e that counselled wisely. 
Neglecting my abilities by land : and what was worst. 
The queen would he in person at the battle. 

Ven. — O, my lord, 'twas ever fatal 
To blend affections with our sterner business. 

Anth. — And so she came, she came. Yentidius, 
But Ceasar, Ceasar — O, that word! 

Ven.— Ceasar OTERO A ME ! 

Anth.— Thou hast said it! 
Despite my recruits, impractical and raw. 
And gallys that moved slow and awkwardly. 
Would you believe it, Yentidius? 
The rosy dawn of victory smiled on us! 
When lo ! To my assured ami dread damnation. 
The queen hoist sail and fled! And, I. Yentidius. 
I. having no eyes, no thoughts, no duty. 
Nor no love, for anything but this queen, 
Abandoned my fleets, and the near conquered foe, 



33 

And dastardly followed the siren! j 

Curse him, Ventdidius, curse this immortal coward, 
Sweep him from the face of the earth! 

Ven. — Your sin is great, but your repentance greater. 
Already you are much to sensible 
Of your offence for me to urge you further. 
'Twere best we should bethink of remedy. 

Anth. — No remedy for the lost Anthonius ! 
Deep in oblivion and beyond all rescue, 
Is he lost, lost, lost forever ! 

Yen. — Yet I say there is hope and remedy too. 
And I could name it within four small words. 
Anth. — Let's here the words. 

Yen. — Leave luxury and live! Leave the effeminate air of Egypt, 
Now, and forever! 

Anth.— Would that I could. 
Yen. — By heaven, I swear you shall ! 
Or else abandoned thus in dissolution's snare, 
Greet an untimely grave and death dishonourable! 
Is this your choice? 

Anth. — 'Tis not a Roman's choice. 
Yen. — And therefore 'tis not thine. 
Anth. — By Hercules, my cousin, I will try — 
Yen. — Sure, you will try to leave this sorceress, 
This curtesan, this witch, south'rn siren, 
Whose charms are the very devil's bait — 
Who is no less than the ambassatrix of HELL INCARNATE! 

Anth. — Stop, stop! Ventidius, dares not trust me! 
The smould'ring embers, industriously poked, 
Burst forth sometimes, into a blazing fury! 
Ah, then I am lost indeed, when my employee, 
This, my salaried slave, presumes to insult 
The lady whom I love! Scandelous dog! 
Another word of Cleopatra, and you, die ! 

Yen. — Then I have said it: kill me! KILL me! 
Else I shall die of sheer ingratitude. 
Since Parthia's conqueror — 

Anth. — Parthia's conqueror! What! You have subdued 
The incorrigible Parthia? False, false, impossible! 

Yen. — (Producing writing.) Behold and read the treaty and the terms 
Which I exacted from them in your name. 
This was performed by your 'scandelous dog', 
Yea, and your 'salaried slave' 

Anth. — O, you gods, cleanse my polluted heart, 
And make me worthy of this FAITHFUL man! 
What have I done to hold an earthly friend 
Since I abuse them for the good they do me? 
On, on, Yentidius, enlarge my faults 
Let them be bellowed to the earth's four points! 
Chastise me as my good old father would, 
Use the rod freely. I can bear it now. 

Yen. — I have said enough. 
I am myself so full of faults that it 
Is not for me to scold you for your failings. 
For, my dear sir, 

Remembering our own deficiencies 
Which one of us are competent to censure 
Fellow creatures? 



34 

Anth. — None, none. 'Tis truly spoken. 
Yet if a faultless self would nominate the censor, 
I should predict you the elect, and scourn debate. 
You have your legions with you? 

Ven. — They are encamped near by, eager to fight. 

Anth. — Then we are re-enforced*. 

Yen. — There's hope in it yet, if Anthony will leave this — 

Anth. — Dou't, don't! I'm done with her (going towards palace) 
This last farewell, and then — 

Yen. — Do that and mar all! 

Anth. — You do not understand I will be civil : 
Not savages omit to say farewell. (children's voices.) 

Helios, Selene, Alexander! My children! 
I cannot leave them thus. 

Yen. — What of your orphan heirs in Italy? 
Agrippina, and Antonian : are they not your children? 

Anth. — O. that I scorned the life legitimate. 
To see my offspring scattered o'er the world. 
Some in the East and some in Italy, 
Each other twain calls for a different mother ! 
But my queen — 

Ven. — But your icifc by Hyman joined ; 
Octavia : She, whose heavenly brilliancy 
Outshines this earthy other's, as does the sun 
The glimmer of the smouldering twig! 

Anth.— Octavia ! 
She was sober, silent and serene. 
I sometimes thought, T married with some spirit. 
Alien to the earth ! 

Yen. — She's all that's good, she's all a wife should be. 
Daily she goes to Tiber's shores, alone. 
And with her eyes towards the heavens turned. 
Solicits the kind gods for your return, 
Prays for you always. 

Anth. — Take me, Octavia! Take me. Cleopatra! 
Great Jove direct me! 
I stand upon the parting of the ways, 
And know not the path to choose! (again making for the palace). 

Yen. — (Seizing him.) Adorable gods! Will you listen to me? 
Will you listen to your friend? I warn you 
By my life, if you go within those gates. 
You go to Hell ! Be strong, master thyself, 
Be Hercules, indeed ! I know you'll do it. 
For you did so at Phillipi ! 

Anth. -Oh! At Phillipi! Phillipi! 
O, at that word, I am myself again, 
Anthonius, the conqueror, the soldier ! 
Let me be so, cren for one-half hour. 

Yen. — My emperor ! 
So then I have not pleaded all in vain. 

Anth. — No, my capital persuader. My ministering god! 
Octavia, your prayers are answered. 

Ven. — Come, for I lead you forth to triumph' 

Anth. — Yes, you must guide me, for indeed. 
I have somewhat lost the way. 
(Mournfully.) Aha, ha, ha, ha! Cleo-patra! (exeunt) 



35 
Scene Three. 

Alexas, supplicant for the Queen. Anthony again in 
armour. Alexas successfully wins Anthony again for the 
Queen. Enter Anthony and Cleopatra. Her aversion for 
Ventidius. More of the bold and wonderful plan of escape. 
Warships hauled over forty-five miles of land. Their 
future real home in India. Felicity in the wilderness. 

The false Stewart. Warships burnt by Jews and 
Arabs. All their plans frustrated. Horrible death of the 
false Stewart. Warning to (Servants. Anthony will fight 
to the end. 

(The Palace; enter Charmicn and Iris.) 

Iris. — That horrid Ventidius ! 

Char. — Would he had died in Parthia's smoky field, 
Ere he came hence to wreck her happiness. 

Iris. — Alas, alas! Poor, dear queen! Methinks her life 
Is one procession of disappointments. 
Her kingdom, too, is the continual scene. 
Of foreign wars which Anthony might shift 
Conveniently to kingdoms more removed. 

Char. — You are right. Iris. 
'Twere well for Anthony, and well for Egypt, 
That he had never set foot upon our shores. 

Iris. — Bnt has the emperor, quite forsaken her? 

Char. — That is as yet uncertain. 
Her majesty has sent Alexas to him, 
To try his eloquence in her behalf. 

Iris.— What. Alexas ! Tis a most smooth Syrian. 

Char. — The eunich with the golden tongue! 
But hush! I hear him coming. (enter Alexas) 

Alexas. — Ladies, I win ! 

Char. — What! Won Anthony awav from stern Ventidius ! 

Alex. — It was no simple matter I can tell you. 

Iris.— Do tell! 

Alex. — Once more incased in steel I found Anthonius. 
Surveying the dimensions of his force. 
Who, shining in armour, standing motionless. 
Seemed more like iron images than men. 
And with such fierceness did he glare upon them, 
He seemed to penetrate each soldier's heart. 
To find a flaw in courage! But he found none. 
I assure men more resolved to die 
Rather than lose in conflict, I never saw. 
So you may see how hard it was for me. 
To plead the cause of our unhappy queen 
'Fore such a stern assemblage. 

Char. — I think that his success. Iris, is real miraculous. 

Iris. — I'll warrant you ! But go on. 

Alex. — Roughly they used me when I came at first. 
And whilst I tried to make my passage to him. 
The course Ventidius eyed me horribly. 
And cursed me 'neath his teeth. 



36 

Char. — (Aside to Iris.) lie looks the better for bis knocks! 

Alex. — But the royal Anthonius, ever a gentleman, 
Seeing me struggling in tbe mighty throng, 
Reared his right arm. and lo ! my passage widened, 
Nay, with two escorts did I reach his side. 

Iris. — What a remarkable man is this Anthonius. 

Char. — His influence o'er his men is absolute. 

Alexas. — Thus I began : — Great Triumviror, 
The Emperor renouned of all mankind, 
Awful in warfare, but to the oppressed, 
The very god of generosity — 

Car. — Excellent! 

Alex. — Giving to all a condescending ear. 
Greetings from the mournful queen of Egypt. 

Iris. — Wonderful! Straight home! 

Char. — He knows his little book. I'll wager! 

Alex. — Gravely, he bowed. 
He set his jaws, he froze his countenance. 
And said. 'Say to the Queen of Egypt, Respects 
From Anthony.' But he did not raise his head, 
And as I studied him I saw his eyelids quiver 
Then from his breast escaped the tell-tale sigh. 
And I knew he was infirm. Summoning 
All my latent cunning. I told him how 
The queen requested but tlrs last farewell. 
And how his children, wond'ring at his absence, 
Continued to inquire for their father, 
He strove to sneak, but groans did halt his speech; 
And every time I mentioned Cleopatra, 
He heaved a sigh that seemed to snap his heart. 
'Good gods'! I thought: 'Is this the man that made 
'These armoured legions tremble in their stt el 
'EVEN now, with a nod or a jesture?' 
Finding him thus, I slipped a jewelled bracelet 
On his arm. saying the queen requested him 
To wear it in token the pleasures that are past, 
That joy that's gore forever. He turned his bead 
In pitiful attempt to hide a tear. 
Told me to tie the bracelet, but I said, 
'None but the sender can the bracelet tie,' 
And thereupon I called for Cleopatra. 

Iris. — NOW, Charmion, you see what love is! 

Char. — O, Iris, it has enslaved the greatest, killed the strongest. 

Alex. — O, and the nieeting of this royal pair, 
Once more united, would fetch tears from the heart ! 
But hark! There's music; they are coming! 

(Anthony and Cleopatra, with train, music, etc. Anthony and queeu 
wear wreaths of roses. ) 

Cleo. — Ah ! When I see you now, 
The expnnee of your broad, celestial brow, 
Crowned with that chaplet of the ardent rose, 
I cannot think 'twas Anthony who left me, 
Left me, all for that office seeking slave — 

Anth. — Lady. I have lost my half o' the sphere ! 
But let him take the crumpled ball, he who plays 
Best with trities. 

Thou art the summit of all excellence. 
And I will not descend to deal with lesser. 

Cleo. — Ventidius! He who did magnify my faults 
And fired you with hatred for your Egypt. 



37 

Anth. — No, no, my Venus. 

Cleo. — Yes, yes, my dear Apollo. Still no matter ; 
Haply I deserved such usage of you. 

Anth. — What means my diety? 

Cleo. — Do not think we are beguiled so easily. 
When I perceive intelligence is kept from me 
The very winds become my messengers, 
And I will know it despite the gods, themselves. 

Antb. — Plainly, my queen. 

Cleo. — Did not that insolent, — O, that I might name him, 
Without Lucifer's vocabulary! — 
Tbe mule monger ! 

Anth. — Ventidius? 

Cleo. — He. O, Anthony, did he not term ns 
'The ambassatrix of hell incarnate'? 

Anth. — A, — who told you? 

Cleo. — Who told me.' Winds, w inds ! 
And you stood by whilst the blasphemous beast ; 

Did level us with tbe dust ! 

Anth. — Hear me, madam. 

Cleo. — Heart, heart ! I am only a woman. 
But had I beard so much ill-said of you, 
I should not cease till either I 
Or the bad utterer, lay as lifeless 
As Pharos' mummy ! 

Anth. — You heat my blood! what will you have me do? 
Lo, if you say so I will give my all, 
For the offender's head. 

Cleo. — Hush ,hush ! Let it pass. 

Anth. — I was about to kill him wheer he stood — 

Cleo. — Anthony, will you stop it? 
Leave us awhile, Alexas, and my dears. (exeunt Char., Iris, Alex.) 

(To att.) Call the Stewart (exit att.) Take that couch. 
My royal lord, I have so much to tell you. (enter Stewart) 

Serve us wine, master Stewart. (exit Stewart) 

I must acquaint you with my little plan. 
Which may deliver us from Ceasar's triumph. 

Anth.— O, let us hear that! 

Cleo. — Years ago, when I was compelled to fly from Egypt, 
I found the remains of an ancient canal. 
On the eastern frontier of the delta. 

Anth. — I remember, madam. 

Cleo. — Now, then, from the Mediterranean 
To the Red Sea we will transport our warships, 
By this self-same canal. 

\ Anth. — But, Cleopatra, there's not a foot of water in it now. 
The isthmus, moreover, is forty-five miles 
In the narrowest part. 

Cleo. — Why will you question? Desperation halts at nothing! 
I tell you. Anthony, the work is actually begun ! 
Six of them lie in the Red Sea now! 

Anth. — Wonderful queen! Warships hauled over the land! 

Cleo. — My treasure too, is crated strong for travel. 
Therefore, my love, this is my design : 
When it appears this Ceasar would beseige. 
And storm pur doors with his triumphant blast, 
We'll leave this vacant palace for his spoils. 
Down, down the Arabian gulf we will take flight, 
(Assuredly he cannot block us there). 

Anth. — Why, Egypt, this is perfect. 



38 

Cleo. — Down, down, wel'l sail, even to India shores, 
Hed wilderness, I'm sure will welcome us. 
There you and I will huild another home, 
Yes, Anthony, a real home, J will help you ! 
A thach-ed roof, two tiny rooms, 
In one to sleep and in the other dine. 
The birds will come and sing the whole day long, 
And build their nests inside our humble casements. 
And we will toil, we'll till the soil 
And gather in the corn, and thank the gods, 
For what the good land yields us ! 
Nay, even the jungle's beasts, used kindly by us, 
Will manifest affection! 

Anth. — Ah, in my mind, I fancy I'm there now, 
And on my knee does Alexander sit. 
Whilst in his ear I whisper fairy tales, 
And lull him off to sleep. 

Cleo. — The life I long to live! (Enter the Stewart, with wine.; 

Set it there, Master Stewart. Careful, sir! 
Why man, you have the shakes! (eyeing him suspiciously) 
See, Anythony, do as I do. Crush thy wreath. 

The rose improves the flavor of the wine. (Anthony does likewise.) 
Drink to our enterprize! 
, Anth. — Here's to our— 

Cleo. — (Snatching the cup from him.) Stop! Give me the cup! 
Come hither. Master Stewart, faithful servant. 
You see this man, my dear Anthonius ; 
In our adversity, and in all our trials, 
He has been constant, nay, a comfort to us. 
Therefore, my lord, I would reward the man 
According to the measure of his worth. 
Will you vouchsafe to let him have your cup 
That he may pledge the goleen beverage 
To our success? 

Anth. — (Giving his cup to the Stewart.) With all my heart, my queen! 
Take it. Master stewart. What ! Weak in the knees 
And trembling! That's a guilty wince! 
Drink, thou vagabond, drink ! 
Else by my mother Isis, I'll have thee whipped 
Until thy wounds exceed the stable plunged into 
Julius Ceasar! Ha, ha, he drinks! 
What is it ails thee. Stewart V Art thou sick? 
Why dost thou lunge and wriggle like the eel? 
Before me, 'tis a pretty .dance ! 

(To attendants.) Go some of you, and scrutinize his quarters, 
Seach every nook and corner! (exeunt several att.) 

I warrant 'tis a false Stewart we have, 
For I'm sure good wine makes honest men merry. 

(The Stewart falls with a shriek.) 
So, traitor, I've caught thee in the act, eh. 
'Tis a delightful sensation I'll wager. Ha, ha, ha ! 

Stewa. — (Rising and making for Cleopatra.) I'm posoned by a 

( sorceress ! 
(The queen promptly steps out of the garment he catches, on which he 
stumbles, rolls in and dit>s in.) 

Cleo. — Ha. ha, ha! The slave would fain have taken me with Mm 
To his devil. But the Quick are quicker than the Dying. 



39 

Anth. — Egypt, you amoze me ! 
What's the meaning of this horrid spectacle. 
I have a mind to call it Eastern cruelity. 
I gave the man my cup of wine. 
But that the drink should lie the death of him 
Much puzzles me. Come, come, explain! 

Cleo. — Your drink has served a dual purpose, Anthony. 
In the first place : — I learn 
You lately feared that I would poison you. 

Anth. — You poison met 

Cleo. — I know it, don't deny it ! O, yes, you did suspect me. 
Now you see. if I desired your death 
pow simple it would be to accomplish. 
The garland which you crushed into your cup 
Was steeped in deadly poison ! Witness, this corpse. 
So, if I'd a mind to make an end of you. 
Would I have snatched the cup from your unchary hand? 

Anth. — Indeed you would not, Egypt ! 

Cleo. — Anthony, hereafter trust me. Sure, heaven knows, 
A thousand deaths myself would undergo, 
Ere I would suffer thee to lose that hair, invisable! 
But for the other purpose, 

Wherein I will make known why this slave died, — 
But hark ! You shall learn that from my trusty sleuths. 

(Re-enter servants, with treasure.) 
Well, what have you discovered. 

1st Servant. — Royal madam : this have found and more besides, 
For his lodgings are full of your jewels. 
Your tapresties and gold, and it appears 
All is arranged for immediate flight ! 

Cleo. — Now, you see Anthony that T was justified. 
This very night that traitor would betray us 
To greedy Ceasar. I la, but I have lent him wings, 
And he has fled already! 

2nd Servant. — Moreover, madam, your fleets of sallies — 

Anth.— What of the fleet of sallies? Our warships! 

2nd Servant. — Which lie in the canal — as is proven 
By this letter which I found upon his clothing. 
Are burnt to ashes by the Jews and Arabs. 

Cleo. — Do you hear that, my lord. Jews and Arabs : Herod and 
And all by this false, false Stewart! (Halchm! 

Anth. — Away with him! (att'nts bear corpse away) 

And let the abyss of the fathomless wash 
Hide him forever from the eyes of man ! 
You were too gentle, not too cruel with him ! 

Cleo. — Now. my loyal servants, you have seen and heard, 
And know how dangerous it is to meddle 
With the affairs of state. 

Stand by us, and we'll multiply your fortunes, 
Cross us, and your deaths are horrible! (a pause) 
You may go to your several duties. (exeunt servants cowering) 

Cleo. — O. Anthony, our sallies burnt, and all our plans frustrated 
What now remains to do? 

Anth. — I do not know, my queen, except to gather 
The remnants of my troops and give him our best battle. 

Cleo.— Spoke like a soldier! 
O. come, my lord, for we must push this forth 
With all convenient haste to execution. (exeunt) 



40 
ACT THE FIFTH. 

Scene One. 

A brave sally. Anthony surprises Augustus, defeats 
his cavalry, and beats them into their camp. "Anthony 
knows the land." Embraces the Queen with armour on. 
Cleopatra presents a golden coat of mail to a worthy 
soldier. Anthony has challenged Augustus to personal 
combat. A contemptuous reply. Ventidius deserts him. 
" 'Tis human nature to forsake the fallen' 7 . Curtain rises. 
"Tonight we hold the same old fashioned mess" 1 , with sol- 
diers and servants. "Tomorrow night you'll find my place 
is vacant." The apparation. Terrified flight of soldiers, 
etc Fidelity of Cleopatra. 

"One more night!'' 

(Enter, running, several of Ceasar's soldiers, wearing bloody bandages.) 

1st Soldier. — Who would have thought the old man was so limber? 

2nd Soldier. — He's game yet, make no mistake. 

3rd Soldier. — Our Ceasar is totally surprised. (a shout of joy) 

4th Soldier. — Look there! We are persued ! (exit shouting and running 

(Enter Anthony, borne as in triumph with soldiers and train amid 
general acclamation; then enter from the palace Cleopatra. The queen is 
presented with a great bouquet.) 

Cleo.— What's the clamour? Smiling, Anthonius ! 
Joy speaks through his eyes ! 
This sight is so unusual of late 
It quite confounds us. O, come, the tidings! 

Anth. — (Embracing.) My royal sprite! They whined, they howled! 
We drove them back with such velocity 
They tumbled on their beds of sheer exhaustion ! 

Cleo. — My darling boy And did you with your right arm 
Hew them down ! 

Anth. — Yes, dearest lass ; 
Allowing that we're somewhat worse for wear, 
And that our hair is tinged and silvered gray. 
Experience — which he lacks 1 — still is ours, 
He cannot rob me of it ; no, nor will his books supply it ! 
Now he believes, though lie succeed by sea, 
Anthony K\ OWS the land! (cheers) 

Soldier. — I'll stake my life on that ! 

Cleo. — Why, good companions, 'tis the Anthony of old ! 

Anth. — The fellow who was foremost in the skirmish : 
If he be of this presence, let him come towards. 

Soldier. — Lucius! The Emperor calls. (Lucius comes forward) 

Anth. — Tins is he. lady. He fought it like a Spartan ! 

Cleo.— Noble fellow ! 
There is a golden armour I will give you ; 
Your manliness deserves no less. 

Anth.- — And you must learn, moreover, Cleopatra. 
That I will meet this stripling sword to sword. 
I have already sent the challenge to him. 



41 

Cleo. — O. if be dare to meet you privately, 
The world shall know you for the foremost man ! 

Anth. — If he but dare ! 
So soon ! Here's his answer. 

Messenger. — I am from Ceasar come. 

Anth. — Come, you errant. 

Mesenger. — Caesar, to Anthony, greeting : Know Anthony, 
Ceasar would comply to your challenge were it not 
That he finds himself supplied 
With many other ways to die. 

Anth. — Contemptable quip ! He could not die more nobly. 
Hence! Ere I set all the dogs of Egypt 

To devour you! (exit messenger) Did you hear that, lady? 
He had other ways to die!' Poor miserable — 

Cleo. — Miser/ He would live to keep his ghost guessing, 
And dodge the cost of cremation. 

Anth. — Aha, that's just him. He had 'other ways to die,' eh? 
He thinks I am not good enough to fight him. 

How dare he slight me thus? (enter another messenger) 

Come on. calamity; and do not cease 
Till Anthony's poor name is marred into obliteration ! 

Good or evil? Briefly and begone (messenger gives letter; exist) 

Egypt, we have too long been happy. 
(Reading.) O, my queen, look, look, behold! 
Are yon gone, Yentidius? Gods, I was good to you! 
I found him, Cleopatra, tendering his mules, 
Soliciting the tirade of travellers. 
So raw a mountaineer, so inarticulate. 
He could not tell two words intelligible. 
I took him to myself, I gave him schooling, 
And set him at so prosperous a pace, 
He was another person. O, if he was 
My mother's son, I could not have prized him more! 
And now, and now, and now ! Ah, no matter ; 
Since it appears 'tis human nature, merely. 
To forsake the fallen, I could forgive you all! 
Even a queen. 

<'leo. — Am I the cause, am I the cause of this? 
O, if I am, let me he nothing to you ; 
Fly, fly, to your friend ! 

Anth. — Friend that is mine no more. They who were mine, are 
But my Hectors want refreshment. Let us, in ! 

Cleo. — Pray you, go in, comrades. Anon we'll join you in a round of 
(exeunt, per palace) (toasts. 

(The curtain rises immediately, disclosing interior of palace with 
soldiers, seated and revelling. A feast spread.) 

1st Soldier. — Fill yet again our mugs to overflowing, 
For we'll drink our last draught to their eternal joy! 

All Soldiers. — Come spring, come fall, 

Come frost, come heat, 
Your babes will bawl 

And your sheep will Meet. 
So unopposed may they possess 
True happiness and lack distress! 

2nd Soldier. — What, shall we forget our master? Where is he 
That dares deny he is most fortunate 
In such a one as our Anthonius? 

3rd Soldier.— The beggar does not live that will not vouch 
He is the kindest and most liberal 



42 

On the outside of the earth ! 

4th Soldier. — Bully, bully, comrade! 
Then hold aloft our cups; and whilst there's wine 
And windpipes, let's drink and exclaim 
How well we wish them. (Cuter Anthony and Cleopatra) 

1st Soldier. — Long live the great Cleopatra ! 

All Soldiers. — Hail, hail, hail! 

2nd Soldier. — Long live the great Marc Anthony ! 

All Soldiers.— Hail, hail, hail! 

Antb. — Now by the land it nearly cheers my heart 
To see you thus make merry. See, my queen' 
Nay, make as much of me as if you knew 
That on the morn I leave you for a land unknown. 

3rd Soldier. — What means our captain? 

Anth. — rail forth cur household, call forth nil who serve me. 

Soldier. — (Caiing.) Anthony's servants! (enter servants) 

Seravnt. — You senl f r us, your highness. 

Anth. — Why, so I did. (greeting them individually ) 
Titus, Lorensus, Lion, Capus, Valentine, tbou. thou and thou. 
You have noted the sun in the east at dawn? ; 

Several. — My lord, we have. 

Anth. — And at noon in the height of its glory? 

Several. — Yes, my lord. 

Anth. — (Falteringly.) And in the west — west! — 

Cleo. — Anthony ! 

Anth. — When the day declines end the eonrse is run,— 
And the night, — and the darkness! 
Even so with Anthony: His course is run; 
His being here is drawing to a close. 
Though I would wish to be your leader always, 
Methinks you'll serve another one tomorrow. 
I'll sit with you toiiight, tomorrow night 
You find my place is vacant. 

Cleo. — Anthony, for Isis' sake, cease. 
Do you not see you have us all in tears? 
You'll turn your men to women. 

Anth. — Now, what the devil ! 1 ("id not mean to make you so unhappy. 
To sit with you at the same bench has been 
My pleasure and my cu?tom. To break the bread 
With you and from the same clay howl sup wine. 
A pastime I proudly acknowledge. 
Tonight we hold the same old fa-honed mess 
Therefore, my hearts, o*erflow the cups. 
Dine, drink and be merry! 

1st Soldier. — To Anthony and Cleopatra! 

2nd Soldier.— Health! 

3rd Soldier. — Happiness ! 

4th Soldier. — Prosperity and peace! 

Cleo. — What noise is that? (weird music) 

Soldiers.— Hark ! hark! bark! 

Anth.- — (Rising and going to window.) 
O, look, my cmeen, that lisrht upon the pitch of night! 

Cleo. — Where? where? where? 

Anth. — Do you not see? It is the dawn of doom! 
Bacons farewell: The sod of mirth forsakes me. 
Look how majestically upon a cloud 
He passes? A troupe of Satyres follow in the train 
Prancing to the music. 

Cleo.- — It seems to float towards the city gates 
And settle on the camps of Ceasar. 



43 

Anth. — Farewell Bacchus! (exeunt soldiers, fleeing in terror 1 * 

(Signifying them.) The pitiful remainder of our friends! 
But bah i Let the mall go, let them all go ! 
Shall such a pair as we have needs of friends ! 
Let all the wor!d regard me with ahhorrance 
And rain its curse relentless on my head, 
If thou alone art constant and unbiased, 
I shall but smile, even through bleeding jaws, 
Nay, I shall think this planet bar", 
A gilded paradise, and all its paths rose laden. 
If you but love ! 

Cleo. — As I in love and duty to my lord, 
Am full as flx-ed as that renown star, 
Which age through has been the seaman's guide, 
Our thriving should not pall in that respect. 
Still do I fear, in lieu of such a loss 
As all our friends we shall oblig-ed be 
To homage bay the wry faced wandering moon ! 

Anth. — Peace, yu merry mocker! 
Here take cur hand, the road is rough, 
Yet even though it is so perilous, 
If I might say thou still art mine, mine, only! 
Even as I do now, we shall, with heaven's help 
Traverse from mite to mightiest, once more 
A twain triumphant ! 

Cleo. — O, lead me, love ! And when I not prove true, 
Both io.val to my lord and to my husband, 

Anth. — Husband, is good. 

Cleo. — Deny me death. — sole refuge of sore wretch 
In leprosy, that I may live 
Infected with afflictions dealt the damned! 
Nay. never come repose to dent my pillow 
For a wink, when I no longer love! 

Anth. — Look clown, you gods, for here's the girl to have! 
Lady, let us go! One more night, — 

Cleo. — Ah, those nights with The Ineomparables' 

Anth. — And if we don't survive the consequence, 
Imperial lass — what matter: 
We have lived, Long enough! 

Cleo. — o. tkou Niobian soul! (Exeunt) 

Scene Two. 

Cleopatra's familiarity with Augustus' messenger. 
Anthony's oath of revenge. The messenger beaten. A bit- 
ter quarrel. The Queen evidently forsakes Anthony for 
Augustus. A faithful freedman. "Anthony's fleets unite 
and he is railed for everywhere." Cheered by the freed- 
man he goes to rally them. Dispatching Alexas to Herod 
in hope of winning him again from Augustus. 

The flight of Ceasarion for his life. Queen questions 

Alexas. Her hate for Herod* 

The palace. Enter Anthony and Eros. 
Anth. — If thy design lie bent against my love, 
'This sport must bitterly bought! Be sure of that. 



44 

Eros. — Most noble sir, 
What I have said I could take oath upon. 
Now, by my sword, my lord. I did suppose 
I did you a good service so to expound 
Unto your private self what I have seen. 
But since 'tis met with such a ill-reception 
Why, bless your grace, I leave what's unsaid rest, 
Withdrawing both myself and argument (going). 

Anth. — Stop, Eros. One Tyreus, you say? 

Eros. — Aye, Emperor. One of Ceasar's servants. 

Anth. — A most sauve villan ! 
Nay. one that would laud the devil himself. 
Whore provender was gratis. 
How long you say were they conferred together? 

Eros. — An hour or more, it could not have been less. 
And as I passed but now I was amaze! 
To find them still, hand in hand consorting. 

Anth. — Am I awake, that I must hear you say so? 
But yesterday she did protest devout fidelity. 
Why she, good lad, that selfsame wight, invoked 
THE FLAGFES OF THE INFERNAL REGIONS, 
To visit her even on earth, should she prove false. 
But come, give me the worst : 
You found them dallying and trading kisses? 

Eros. — Not when I saw them. 
Think you 'twas but their cunning to restrain 
Such rashness in my sight? 

Anth. — 'Tis even eo: The fox did cloak their folly. 
But leave me now, I can no longer hear your dismal revelation. 
What shall I think, my queen dishonest? (exit Eros) 

And with a boar who would pick up tossed coin 
Could be familiar? No, so help me heaven, 
Never shall I believe the same until 
Mine eyes have certified the proof. Why she. 
Having at once the better majesties 
Of sovereigns unnumbered, so regal she. 
Ignoble, base deceit is most impossible. 
Avoid, rash boasting train, for hither comes 
The loadstone that demands you exit ! ! 

(Enter Cleopatra and Tyreus in the distance, conversing intimately.) 
That ever I should lie but something soft! 
Besotted fop, a very poltroon ! 
That in the guise of vast philosophy 
I greet the non-day sun, and feast the fleeting moon, 
Rapt in luxurious ease! 

Whilst 'fore my lust-bleared eyes come daylight thieves 
Who from my very hand, take to themselves 
My chief, st property as if it were 
Some triflle 7 not wanted. Ha, but this 
Deficiency, this fault effeminate. 
Long lurking in this blood, shall not survive, 
The morrow ! For even now 
Do I expel! the dastard's trait forth from 
This structure's entrails. And in its stead 
Witness, you glistering heights, I here engrave 
RREVENGE! Aye. that shall smoke eve* unto Mars, himself! 
And he shall stoop appauled, expecting conflagration. 
Nay, the usurpers of my throne of joy. 
My great felicity, shall fall before 
This hand, so help me. Jove! 



45 

(Hereupon Cleopatra gives Thyreus a writing and he kisses her hand.) 

Anth. — "Who is it that commands?' Down, dog! (striging him) 
Begone! Your ignorance aeqnits yon. Fly! 

Thyreus. — Who is it that commands? 

Anth. — 'Who is it that commands?' Down, dog' (striking him) 
I have heen Anthony, and by the sitting good gods, 
I am Anthony still! Haul him away, and lash him, (to Eros) 
Lash him till he swims in blood. 

Thyreus.— O. O, O, O, O! (exit with Eros) 

Anth. — Tell thy master I have beaten thee, and if he would 
Be even with me fur it, tell him he has my freedman 

Whom he may hang at his pleasure. (exit Eros with Thyreus) 

So, madam : And they call you, Cleopatra ! 
Ah. when our royalty runs into rottenness, 
And sensuality feeds on faculties, 
'Twere better that our offial feasted fish, 
Than to live on, smiling insensible, 
The downright shame of shames ! 

Cleo. — (Going to him.) This, to me? 

Anth.— O, fowl beautiful. O. beautiful fowl. 
Truly foul and foully beautiful! 
When man on carrion dotes, man may like you ! 

Cleo. — Embracing.) Anthony! Anthony! Do you intend these blows 

Anth. — Off, the serpent of the slimy Nile! Get thee off! (for me? 

Nay, if you like the boa cling about me 
I'll use you for the Reptile that you are! (draws sword) 

Cleo. — Help me, Charmion ! Iris! Anthony is mad! 

(enter Charmion and Iris) 

Anth. — The mare of Julius, and the jade of Pompay's son, 
The daughter of Licentious Ptolomies, (queen faints) 

Begone, begone, forever^ (exit) 

Cleo. — Where are we, Charmion? 

Char. — With friends, madam. All is well. (re-enter Anthony) 

Anth. — One word, madam ! 

Iris. — Mercy. Emperor! See what you do! 

Cleo. — Where is this Roman? I tell you man. 
The Tropic's least, foaming in his fury. 
Outrages not the female with the like 
You here have vent upon us. Whilst yon who boasts 
The instinct of a man have here proclaimed 
You lack the instinct of the rampant beast! 

Anth. — For what I am to Egypt's queeo I'm thankful : 
You have ruined me. 

Cleo. — Most impotent retort! 

Cleo. — Say you acquired intemperance in Egypt, 
And I will call you Fulvia's ghost to count 
The time she hauled you prostrate from the streets. 
Where Roman boys did stone you for a sot 
Of vagrancy, ami daubled you o'er with mud ! 
O, praised be Fulvia ! 
There was a woman knew the manage of vou ! 

Anth. — Admitting this and more, I still affirm 
You ruined me madam. For the worst. 
And Exti-emest mischief of all my life, 
Was mv love for Cleopatra. 
Cleo. — Aha, ha ! 

Anth. — Where is the regiment of kings that late 
Have cringed and fauned and quarrelled for my favors? 
Bacchus of Libya. Silicia's king, 



46 

Cap.p :doci'i's and Arabia's kings? 
Polemon of Pont, the Median king? 
The list would fill a book. Nay, even he, 
Herod of Jewery ! Where are they now? 

Ci eo . — n ow should I know? And what is more, I care not! 

Anth. — Yet even with *uin I could he reconciled. 
Had you not declined to baseness of dust. 
Smirked with a scullion, nay. gave my precious toy. 
That hand, to the mouth of one that feeds and thrives 
On Cea:-ar's rubbish ! 

Cleo. — The man requested it; and being from Ceasar, 
He whose jesture may pronounce our doom, — ■ 
I did consent to let him kiss my hand. 
Though you may call it what you like, I say 
'Twas pure diplomacy. Besides, it is 
My hand, my hand, you understand, 
And no man living dare restrict it-' freedom! 

Anth. — Re it so : I'll none of it. henceforth. 

Cleo. — Ha, ha! We'll make that sure! (going) 

Anth. — The man gave you a writing: 
Might I inquire the composition of it? 

Cleo. — Absolutely, no. 
The matter therein does concern myself 
And Ceasar, and being our business 
Is there none of thine! , (Anthony groans) 

Hence, Trimviror ! 
Your insult to ourself and family 
Shall not be soon forgotten. Learn this much: 
My father have been kings whilst yours 
Contested for the post of alderman, (exeunt, grandly, queens. Char. & Irb i 

(Before exit, queens turns with mournful jesture to An i bony, resum- 
ing haughtier as Anthony turns.) 

Anth. — Er,js, dost thou hang about me still? 

Eros. — My noble captain ! 

Anth. — O. while you come, go where fortune waits you. 
Assuredly, remuneration from my bankrupt self 
To look for is mere folly. 
Believe me lad, I love you so, I would not 
Lead you such a miserable life, so mean a death! 
Go, leave this wreckage, for I tell you true, 
The idiot who hugs the sinking ship 
Deserves his drowning! Every one hath quit her, 
Nay even her commander, Cleopatra, 
Boards the new-launched, oblivious of the old! 

Eros. — Will it please yon. my lord. 
To let this good ship Fortune bear me where 
It will? Though the unthankful forsake it 
And deem if no more worthy of the sea,— 
It has borne me many a prosperous cargo, 
I have lived on it, let me die on it! 

Anth. — O, you gods, and have I found a human heart at last? 

(enter messenger) 

Eros. — Why here is some clear sky : you have misjudged the weather ! 

Messenyer. — Marc Anthony. 
Your footman on the hills ask for encouragement, 
,Your fleets again unite, and yon are call for, everywhere. 

Eros. — And yet you say you sink ! 

Anth. — This is some optomistie fiction. 

Messen. — Facts, my lord, J swear it! 

Anth. — Send for Aloxas. (exit) 



47 

This siren hates my weakness. And vacates therefore 

With no more ceremony than had we never loved. (enter Alexas) 

Now, Alexas, for the notable commission of your life! 

Alex. — Command me, sir. 

Anth. — Herod we must make sure. In losing Herod we lose all. 
For as he moves the other vassals follow. 
Therefore to him, Alexas: Win him again from Ceasar. 
Pretend not to know of his treachery. 
Tell him my arms are ever open to him, 
Tell him he*s welcome, and for his former favors 
Anthony thanks him. Yes, Anthony thanks him : 
That may mean more or less, yet Anthony thanks him. 
If Herod be but loyal to my cause 
He shall not miss my bounty! You will do this for me? 

Alex. — Not bed nor bread will I betake me of 
Until it is performed. 

Anth. — I believe you. Go. 

Fros. — Come captain, let us rally the footman. 

Anth. — Eros, I am with you for the hills. 
Young Ceasar shall not have her for his love, 
Though i-he despise Anthonius worse than hell! (exit with Eros) 

Alex. — On an errant of blank idiocy he sends me. 
But see, here comes Ceasarion and the queen. (Enter Ceasarion & Cleopatra) 

Cleo. — How now, Alexas. What are you going? 

Alex. — Madam, to Judea, in the cause of Anthony. 

Cleo.— To Herod? 

Alex. — Yes, your majesty. 

Cleo. — Tell him to keep to his Jewry, but not 
That part which is annexed to Egypt ! 
Tell him too, to learn to distinguish , 

Between policy and familiarity. 
Of which he presumes to accuse me. 

Alex. — Madam, I will, (retires) 

Cleo. — Great Ceasar's son and mine, long, long farewell. 
If we shall meet again, my boy, Ceasarion, 
Refer it to the prayers of mother Isis. 
Travel with speed, my son. I cannot see you 

iii the general slaughter. I 

Once more farewell! 

Ceasa. — Mother, farewell! (exit with queen) 

Alex.— Anthony sends me to solicit Herod, 
The queen, full of her ancient hate for him. 
Gives me contrary orders. Which shall I obey? 
Why, neither one. There power is all gone. 
There is no profit in the pair of them. 
| il go to Herod, but I'll persuade him 
»Vith the best tongue I have to follow Ceasar, 
To hate the queen and hate Marc Anthony/ 
Then I will go to Ceasar and claim reward. 
This is my freedom, freedom from tyrany, 
8onery. and death in Egypt. (exil ) 



48 
Scene Third. 

The curse of Cicero. Queen suspected of betrayal. 
Anthony seeks her life. "Five thousand perish.'' "A jewel 
of a wife abandoned." "All for one worthless woman!" 

Cleopatra reported dead. "I lived for Cleopatra." 
"What more is necessary?" Commands freedman to kill 
him. The freedman's suicide. Anthony stabs himself. 
"Life lingers yet." Cesarion slain. Alexas a traitor. Be- 
headed. False report of Queen's death. Anthony carried 
to her. 

The garden adjoining the palace. Olympus with a telescope; Pholotis. 

Philo. — When Lucius the golden armour got. 
He silently slunk off and straightaway 
Revolted unto Ceasar. 

Olyinp. — That is not strange hut very commonplace. 
For when the rats helieve the vessel sinks 
They all take to the water. But finding 
She is still ahove the sea they do return in droves. 

Philo. — Where is the emperor, row? 

Olyinp. — Today I'm told his footman on the hills 
He went to rally. Though I helieve 
Honorable death is ;il lhe seeks. (a noise without) 
That's him now ! And by his voice this is 
The beginning of the end! (Olympus gazes at the stars) (enter Anthony) 

Anth. — Ho! I'll find her, though I wreck a pyramid! 
What see'st thou in the stars, Olympus? 

Olymp. — An arm, a head. 

Anth. — A head, an arm! Cicero"s arm, Cicero's head! 
Damn thee Dellius, wheresoever thou art! 
Were it not for thy description of this witch 
This course of Cicero's I should have missed. 
'Cicero's arm, Cicero's head'! 

Tongue of that head that spoke my father's doom ! 
Hand of that arm that scribbled with reproach. 
Yes, I will laugh again to see these witnesses 
Of Anthony's revenge strung up in the Forum. 
Tell me, Olympus, 
Where is this prejurous, gypsy devil? 

Olymp. — My gracious sir, we have no devils here. 
Whom does your lordship seek? 

Anth. — You. thou poison-mixing, star-gazing vidian! (exit Olympus) 
Instrument of the witch who ruined me. 
O, I am mad now, deeds will I do 
And what I do repent not ! Let my provoker answer. 
Bane on my youth, and robber of my prime. 
Where is she? (exit) 

Philo. — What new calamity? 

Eros. — Just now we watched our navy from the hills; 
Directly towards Ceasar's ships they rowed. 
We though they did manauvere for a battle. 
O, you gods ! 

But as they neared our men saluted Ceasar's 
And 'stead of fighting, greeted the enemy 



49 

Like so many Ions lost brothers! This is 

The witch's work and she must die for it! (re-enter Anthony) 

Anth. — Was it for this, five thousand perished, on the march? Ex- 
I would not let them east out of impatience (cedent fellows! 

To be with this charm. Was it for this 
I left a jewel of a wife grass-widowed 

In the West? All for one worthless woman. (enter Char.) 

Where is thy mistress? The young man now looks good 
To her; she has bargained with him, she's betray'd me! 
Show me I say, where she abides. 
Whilst yet my spleen is whet against oppression 
I'll weed the world of this abomination! 

Char. — Set up your murderous sword. You cannot 
Kill her twice ! My mistress had one life to give 
Which she too willingly surrendered for your sake. 

Anth.— Not dead? 

Char. — Dead by her own hand. 

Anth. — No, no, no. no. no ! 

Char. — And this she bid me do as she was dying. 
That should I find you fond to other creatures, 
Or in disparaging terms her dust dishonoring — 
As you past question think she played you false, — 

Anth. — And she has not played false, — has not betrayed me? 

Char. — Request you but to think, when lesser matters 
Occupy your mind. — to give a passing thought 
For your imprudent but ever constant queen ! 
And wtih her last breath murmured 'Anthony' ! 
Devouring Rome, now are you satisfied? (exit, weeping) 

Anth. — Yes. / am satisfied! What more is necessary? 
I lived for Cleopatra ! And for her sake, 
Like to a mason awkward at his trade. 
I builded-up the ever-tumbling wall; 
j made this war for her, laughed at disaster ; 
The hermit poet lived not more entirely 
For his books, than I for Cleopatra ! 

Off, off, mine armour! (discarding armour with great clatter) 
The war is o'er 

And Anthony's sword will threaten never more! 
Eros, the curtain draw, put out. put out the light. 
Must a woman -how me what is noble, to be done? 
Eros, come hither. You do recall the time you were my bondman 
I freed you upon one condition only. 

Eros. — Ye<, sir. 

Anth. — AVliaf was that condition? 

Eros. — O, emperor ! 

Anth. — Eros, what was that condition? 

Eros. — That I should kill you when yon should command me? 

Anth. — Exactlv. And Eros the hour is come 
When I require the performance of your oath. 

Eros. — O. pardon me! 

Anth. — Ero^, / command 1/011 ! 

Eros. — Then turn aside. I cannot strike before 
That god-like face. 

Anth. — (Turni'g.) There. I am ready. Plunge home, and make it 

Eros. — O, 'tis done! (stabbing himself.) (sure. 

Anth. — You die. Eros. 

Ei-os. — Rather than bruise my master/ (dies) 

Anth. — Noble lad ! Enough have died for me. 
Now Anthony must Anthony destroy! (stabs himself) 
Unlucky strike, unwelcome life yet lingers, 



50 

Death is too proud to claim me. Ho, there, my guards.! (enter guards) 
If ever you endeared Anthonius show it now. 
Finish this work and end mine agony ! 

Guard — Doomsday is come ! 

Guard. — None have so hard a heart! (enter Olympus) 

Olympus. — Calamity, when will you halt? 
O, I have seen the day in my odd eighty year. 
When the tumultuous havoc, 'mongst the planets 
Drove atheists to knees soliciting 
Salvation ! But never, never till now. 
Have I beheld fell Mischief's consumation, 
The handiwork of Hades! Marc Anthony slain. 
The queen reported dead, Eros clain, 
Ceasarion murdered ! 

Anth. — 'Ceasarion murdered.' We must expect no less. O !■ 

Olymp. — Dost thou live, Anthony? Alexas has betrayed you! 
Instead of pleading on your side to Herod, 
He pleaded for Augustus; but for reward 
Augustus put the hatchet to his neck, — 

Anth. — What say you, doctor? 

Olymp. — Augustus cut his head off! 

Anth. — Jove biess ins generous heart for it! 80 serve all traitors. 
That one act was so like his noble uncle, 
I am obliged to thank my conqueror! 
He has my partitrg breath! (enter Charmion) 

Char. — Murder, murder'' I am late! Which is the Emperor'' 

Anth. — Here, Charmion. You hate me, lor I caused 
Your mistress' death, (offering sword) Cm me my death witha blow. 

Char. — The queen had premonition of this deed, 
And sent me here in all haste to prevent it, 

Anth. — The queen sent you? When? 

Char.— Now ! The report of her death is false. 

Anth.— False ! 

Char. — It was devised merely to quell your fury. 
When she did hear you like a lion roaring, 
She fled to the Tomb of the Ptolomies, 
Where she locked with Iris and myself. 

Anth. — Charmion: Tell her I come! (exit Charmion) 
(To guards.) Honest fellows! One more command take from me, 
Ere I am silenced by the hand of Death: 
I'm feeble now, but I was strong when victories were plenty. 
Cleopatra lives! Li res at the Temple of Isis. 
Take me, take me to her ! O. haste, haste ! 
Now, by my soul, I thank you, lusty lad-;; 
Anthony dies your debtor! (exeunt; guards bearing Anthony) 

Scene four. 

Anthony hauled through windows of the Temple of 
Isis. Pertubation of the Queen. Anthony attempts to 
comfort her: "Lady no tears! even' though I leave von do 
not weep." "You must live for; the children.'' His great 
tribute. "For having met you is to know what Heaven 
aught to be." 

Cleopatra: "I met you on the Cidmis, Anthony." The 



51 

celebrated voyage of the Queen recalled. "You kissed me t" 
"That was the first, this, this the last!" 
"Anthony dies!" 
The door left unbolted by Iris. Noiseless entrance of 
Augustus. His grief reveals him. Cleopatra's great 
strategem. Makes Augustus believe she loves him. He is 
overcome with joy. The poisoned wine. Cleopatra drinks 
"The blasting dram." Tts invigorating influence; Death 
of Cleopatra. Arrival of Anthony's wife. 

Tomb of the Ptolemies; Temple of Isis. Cliarmion and Iris. 
(A throne in centre, rear.) 

Cleo. — Locked in these four gray walls shall I renin in, 
Not food nor drink nor sleep shall I partake, 
The darting shades of my deceased ancestors 
Shall be my only neighbors. Darkness shall reign. 

Iris. — Comfort, madam ! 

Cleo. — And they killed my poor little boy! 
My pool Ceasarion never harmed them 
In his nineteen years of life! His worst fault 
Was fishing. Why will they slay the innocent? 
Ah, do they think, because the unerring gods 
Are pleased to brand me for a mistress. 
That I have no heart? O, Heaven! 

They might have dragged me thro' all Rome uncovered. 
Of m,\ proud head they might have made a target ; 
They might have pitched in with thirst-crazed lions, 
They might have ripped me daily into ribs, 
And spared my poor little boy ! 
Where is my Anthony'.' 

I'm sure he'd beat these butchers to ;i rat meal. 
Hark ! (a tapping). 

Iris. — Charmion's signal. 

Cleo. — Let her in. Iris. Look sharply, see there is no one with her. 

(Iris unbolts door, enter Charmion.) 
Cliarmion, my girl, you're breathless, pale! 
Why do you stare so wildly? 
What new misfortune ahs befallen Egypt? 

Char. — O. let me sit down ! O. madam, 'tis as you prophesied : he's done 
Look out of the window. (it! 

Cleo. — Darkness and doom ! 
O. 'tis the general judgment! This is the day. indeed' 
And all the walls of horn-belt hell, are burst ! 
Charmion, Iris, Iris, see. my poor Anthony! 
Kind friends, below-, does be live? 

Voice Below. — He faints, your majesty. 

Cleo.- — I dare not <>pe the door; I have some ropes. 
Fasten them, friends, help me to haul him to us 
Ere he perish! Help me everyone! 

Iris. — Madam, do not lean so far out, you will fall. 

Cleo. — Re it so; 'tis the falling time. 
Would I had Hercules' arm 
That I might have him here, quick as a wink'! 
Once more, my women! O, O, O, at last! (cheers below) 
(Anthony is drawn in, and placed upon a couch.) 



52 

O. that cruel wound! Give some bandages) Some wine! 
What have I done, what have I done, my soldier? 
O, speak, my lord, my emperor, my husband! 

Anth. — Faintly.) Lady, no tears. Even though I leave you 
Do not weep. 

Cleo. — Yes, I will weep! 
Even 'till the flood eclipse the bursten Nile! 
O. when I think my lie provoked this deed, 
Remorse o'erwhelms me. 

Anth. — Sure you knew. I little loved to longer linger here. 
For you alone, did I reserve my life. 
But. when 'twas said that you had slain yourself, 
I found the land so dark and desolate, 
I could not tarry longer. But why lament? 
If I had died beneath the ruthless axe. 
My severed head in triumph brought to Rome, 
Then you might weep. But as it is, I am 
My own death's executer, after {he high 
Old fashion, even as noble Brutus. 
Lady, be shrewd; and it' 'tis possible 
To preserve your life, do so, y pray you. 
O, the children! You must live for them. 

Cleo. — Would that I might live for them! 
My friend Arebibius has the care of them, 
And has promised, so to rear them that they may 
Bear no unloving memory for their parents. 

Anth. — Tush, you will live. 
Pray thee, enchantress, do not ruminate 
Too much up >n my fallen fortunes, this end 
Most wretched. 

But rather dwell on my auspicious hours, 
And cherish the fond hope: you shall behold me 
Once again in all my brillian y, 
Where we shall reign with the gods colleagued, 
Never more to part! For who knows. Egypt, 
But even the gods will forgive us, too? 
Cleo.— At least they owe us that. 
Anth. — Make your peace with Ceasar. 
And if you have a liking for the young man, 
Remember ,you arc free 

Cleo. — Unkind, unkind! 
Though the sun rise on Egypt as of yore. 
Her widowed queen shall never more behold it! 
Anth. — You will not live then? 

Cleo. — Not whilst there are knives, snakes and poison in the East! 
Anth. — Then you were not with Ceasar joined against me? 
Cleo. — How can you be so hard? (drawing forth a writing) 
This I received from Ceasar. Let me read it to you. 
(Reading.) "Ceasar to Cleopatra: In consideration that you put 
"Antonius to present death, or drive him from your kingdom, 
"I, Ceasar, will deny Cleopatra, nothing." 
Think of that: He would "deny me nothing.".. 
Not even, to give law at Rome ! I wrote at once : 
Such terms were all impossible, and that 
He made me angry to suggest them. Mow 
Does it seem I was conspired again you? 

Anth. — Egypt, I die content ! 
Though we have quarrelled, sometimes bitterly, 
'Twas ever so with true love. 
And if I had another world to lose 



53 

I willingly would lose it for your sake. 

Cleo. — My lord, my lord! 

Anth. — And, Cleopatra, do not grieve nor think 
This stern conception of the Life to come. 
Makes me repent the past. No, no, my lass. 
For having met you is to know what heaven aught to be. 
Not to have met you, is to have missed, more joy 
Than the gods can boast ! 

Cleo. — I met you on the Cydnus, Anthony. 

Anth.— O. on the Cydnus, Egypt! 
Such elegance, magnificence and art! 
Rome I forsook and there abandon seized me. 
The recollection fans my flickering flame, 
And J must talk of it. A little wine, my love, (he drinks) 
Embellished and elaborately carved, 
So glittering gold your bark, the yellow stream 
Was visible at bottom. 

The purple silken sails swelled in the wind, 
And bore the barge so smooth and gracefully, 
It seemed upon the air to glide and not 
Upon the water. 

The silver oars struck measures to sweet music 
Which, though 'twas soft 'twas heard both far and near, 
So mild and so melodious it was, 
The population swarmed the river-side 
And left the city vacant. "Venus," they cried, 
"Is come to visit Bacchus." And so it was, 
For thou wert truly Venus lying there, 
Under a canopy of cloth-of-gold, 
Respiendant in the habit of the goddess. 
Your waiting mails as mermaids attired 
Directed the sail ; tended the tackle, silk. 
Rose cheeked boys like dimpled Cupids 
Fanned you with their wings, 
Diffusing such aromas on the wind 
The people on the shore stood open-mouthed 
Inhaling what their greedy nostrils could not. 
But those light, the envy of the stars. 
And thou, and thou ! and — 

('bar. — Madam, the gasp! 
Cleo. — You kissed me! 

Anth. — Ah, do you recall that too! That was the first; 
Now by the ghost. I will give thee another,— 
This, this, the last! (falls back, dead) 

Cleo.— Stay a little! Was it so dear? There's fifty for it! 
There there, there! (kissing him). Look, look! 
No life at all? O. women. 
Are you blind? Do you not see, Anthony dies! 
O. mind give way. and let my suffering 
Conclude with Bedlam madness ! 

(Hereupon enter Ceasar, Agrippa, etc., unpereeived.) 
Must I that am bereft of friends, nay kingdom. 
All ; all that ever loved, bestride henceforth 
This narrow girth alone? His life, my women, 
Even as an afternoon in June, prolonged 
And beautiful, was gladness itself ! 

And his death ! 

Dearer to me than Heaven's continent. 
Would you. could you die? 

Ceasar. — (Overcome with emotion.) O. the immortal gods! 



54 

Cleo. — (Recognizing the voice.) Ceasar! 
(Aside.) Charmion and Iris hasten to him, and try to persuade him to 
(Aside.) What simpleton was't left the door unbolted? (leave. 

Now I must play one supple scene, or endure 
The ignominy of Ceasar's triumph. 

Observe me. now! if the occasion be not here devised 
Wherein I minister this blasting dram, (,showing packet) 
I am not worthy to meet Anthony! (embracing corpse) 
Pardon, awhile, poor son of Silent City, 
For I must hew the oaks that stand between us. 

Then, I am with you always! (going to Ceasar, prostrates) ," 

Hail, Augustus! Absolute ruler, sole sovereign 
Of the entire world ! 

Ceas. — Rise. Egypt, Cleopatra rise! 
My conquest is but nought beside my grief, (going to corpse) 
Look on him, men; uncover! The staff is broke. 
And all the mettle's melted' He, who that extravagant 
And lustrous title wore, of earth's first soldier. 
Commingled with the dust ! Renoun-ed partner, 
'Tis thy undaunted spirit bears the name of conqueror, 
And not our lesser self. 
My fellow ruler, and my dearest brother. 
Companion in the field, and cou itless exploits; — 
Witness, heaven ! 

Though it were impossible we should be friends. 
And rivals also. — though the wide world was not 
Space enough to house us, — yet I liked the man; 

Nay. sparing the devotion of his wife, [J 

My saintly sister, none loved him better! 

Cleo. — (Aside.) Hear this, mother Isis! 
Yet he was old, his lease of life had lapsed, — 
Indeed I found he grew so tedious of late, 
I scarce could tolerate him. 

Ceasar. — And therein was it well. 
For he was one to whom the obdurate 
And unkind gods, offered not nothing. 

Cleo. — Rut you and I are young : at least you are : 
Your manhood's rose as yet is the bud; 
As for myself, barring such lines 
As frequent tears have left, — 

Ceas. — 'Lines,' you have not ! 
Let mortal beauty wither and decay, 
Yours is perpetual ! 

Cleo. — You flatter your humble servant, 
(Suddenly) Are you married. Ceasar? 

Ceas. — 'Am I married?' 
If I should say I am not, wVnt of that? 

Cleo. — I was thinking, Ceasar, '~% 

When taking kingdoms waxes commonplace. 
And glory in profusion will want zest, 
A bachelor will yearn for a diversion. 

Ceas. — Very true, madam. 

Cleo. — We are known to lie such a diversion. 

Char. & Iris. — Madam, madam! (('ear. & Tris appear to have discovered 

Cleo. — (Aside.) Hush, fools ! (the ruse.) 

Ceas. — Egypt, you amaze me! 

Cleo. — Rut why? I loved you once ar>.d I thought you loved me. too. 

Ceas. — O, you gods! Have I realized my vaguest drrams? 

Cleo. — I saw you as I fled from murdered Julius. 
Fresh from school, so elegant and handsome. 



55 

Twas but a glance, and yet I was convinced 
That we two were created for each other. 

Ceas. — The gods best knuw! 

Cleo. — Roman. I love you still. 
And you will love me, won't yon, Ceasar, 
Just a little in return? (embracing) 

Ceas. — Cleopatra ! 
Have I not said I would deny you nothing? 

Cleo. — You have. 
And therefore I request no more, no less, than you. 

Ceas. — Madam, j am wholly yours ! 

Cleo. — Charmion, my crown put on, in royal robes 
Array me ; for I will go, immediately 
With Ceasar, anywhere he will! (Char. & Iris attire her) 

Ceas. — But, dearest queen, with Anthony yet warm, 
Such happiness seems scarce believable. 

Cleo. — Do you doubt me still? How shall I prove it? 
O, Iris bring forth wine, that I may pledge 
This "love" I bear Augustus! Iris, here, the keys. 

Iris. — (Showing a key and a packet) (aside) 
This to the cellarage, and this (packet) the key to DEATH, (exit) 

Cleo. — And, Ceasar, I have one more poor reqeust. 

Cear. — Make it a million! I will grant them 
If they lie within the power of a despot. 

Cleo. — In the matter of my children 
Our late kingdom I would for them, solicit. 

Ceas. — Quiet your heart, that is already granted. 
Fereeiving his inevitable end. 

And fearing that yourself would not survive him, — 
My sister loved her faithless lord so much, 
His offspring she would endear as her own. 
And with her own would rear and educate. 

Cleo. — She is so god-like kind! (enter Iris & Serves wine) 
I wish I knew her, and accounted her my friend. 

Ceas. — Madam, you shall, (they drink) Health to Cleopatra! 

(The queen having flung down the cup. breaks into laughter.) 
What, is my queen so joyful of this change 
So long desired? 

My lady as the Empress of the Empire, 
Shall live 

Cleo. — What, "live"! Live to he the laughter of the world. 
To walk before your grand menagerie, 
And decorate your miserable triumph ! 
These, — Charmion, — mine arms, thai have entwined 
The world's superior men, freighted with chains! 
His plebian strumpets spy us in the show. 
And rising from the gutters where they wallow, 
Point at us with their girmy thumbs and say, 
'There's the bad woman, the infamous queen, 
The sorceress!' Consider it, sweethearts! (ascending the throne) 

Ceas. — A strange delirium. 

Agrippa. — Wrought by the unity of extreme grief and joy. 

Cleo. — Demui'e Octavia. Ids wife, looks on. 
Regarding me with scournful modesty. 
This is most kind, sweet charity, indeed. 
Exceedingly considerate to be sure! 
Augustus, I thank you. but must decline. 
Your flattering invitation at this time. 
My present place will suit me well enough. 
O. it shall suit xo well, that though my life 



56 

Which now has end, should linger on for ages, 

I should desire no better home than here. Aha, ha, ha, ha ! 

We grant you're wise, but tee are somewhat wiser. 

Green novice, to anticipate that we'd 

Reside upon this barren hemisphere, 

One hour after after Marcus. 

Ceas. — What have / done to merit this derision? 
A little while ago you vowed you loved us. 

Cleo. — Love! Love him who doomed to death my son, Ceasarion, 
And robbed him of the heritage his father, 
Great Julius Ceasar, — left him. 

Ceas. — I robbed him not ! As for his death 
I can but say that it was necessary 
You know the oracle : "Too many Ceasars are not well." 

Cleo. — Too many Ceasars there would never be, 
If there were le-s usurpers ! Forget not, — 
Though I lack that name of "wife" to induce 
The general pity, — I am no less a mo! her ! 
And he who would make plunder of my blood, 
Lives cursed by Cleopatra! 

(Ceasar manifests fear.) 

Cleo. — Apothecary's hooks have done me service. 
This goodly dram, kind unction of all pain, 

(Rising, and walking as in a trance, to the corpse) 
Has made my voyage to my Anthony's arms, (Char. & Iris assist her) 

A pleasant journey. Cold as marble! (faints) 

Ceas. — Poison and treason, before cur very eyes! 
Traitors, the queen is dying! Hark! 

Cleo. — Our Egypt passes ; no more a kingdom. 
But a province, merely. See, Alexander, 
The long reign of Ptolomies is o'er. 
I see thee again, Anthonius. Welcome, 
Never so welcome! Thou art the Emperor, still. 
Mightier far than any such below. 
And at thy becon doth the whole world bend. 
Thy fearful glare still frights poor mandkind pale. 
Thy voice is like the thunder and the gale; 
And still to me it is the heaven's nnisic 
Husband, al last! None dare dispute my claim. 
For thou, — thou, wert never more mine, than now! 
Bravely, sweethearts, ah. ah, ah! (dies) 

Ceas. — O. here is violent and unnatural death, 
The fairest, brightest being, from the gods 
Come down, and I have lost her ! 
Anthony, pardon my sharp rebukes, 
For now I see in MY infirmity, 
How helpless you were in her strong embrace. 
For all mankind were sabj >ct to her charms. 
Under her amourous spells, virility 
Became effeminate dotage. 
How near I came succeeding Anthony, 
When resolution stifled her desires, 
And left mine all afire. 
O, tell me Charmion. is she dead, indeed? 

Char. — In word and deed, all that was fair of the earth or the air. 
To the poor price of dust, is diminished. 

Ceas. — Thus am I cheated of my chiefest trophy 
And deprived the means of making known that we 
Can be humane and bountiful to such 
As seek our clemency. The gods, it mads me ! 



57 

How, madam, you think this is well done? 

Char. — It could not he done better. 
It is a queely deed, becoming one, 
Descending from so many royal kings. 

Ceas. — Lay hands upon her ! She shall personate the queen. 

Char. — Too late, too lote ! I hasten to succeed my mistress's fate ! 

jris. — I follow in the wake! (dies) (dies) 

Ceas. — Was ever Roman tricked so shamefully? 

(Enter Archibius with a floral offering and children.) 
What man is this? 

Aggrippa. — 'Tis one Archibius ; schoolmate of the queen's. 
'Tis said he loved the queen, but never made it known. 
The children are those of the deceased. 

Ceas. — Make seizure of the men ! 
These shall at least commemorate my triumph. 
Fear not, sir, they shall have best of care ; and if you wish, 
You may accompany them. 
And we shall rear in most opulent stone 
A statue of this celebrated pair, 
Walking hand in hand as they so oft wei*e seen, 
Here in Alexandria. And I am sure 
Succeeding ages shall narrate their lives 
Cherish the theme in play and history, 
Whilst there are human hearts and other days recorded! (a noise without) 

1st Voice. — Make way for Ceasar's sister' 

2nd Voice. — Make way for Anthony's wife ! 

Octavia's Voice. — We must see him, we must see him, while he lives ! 

Ceasar. — My sister's voice! (enter Octavia with train) 

Octavia. — Which is our husband? 

Ceasar. — O, sister, see thy husband! 
Octavia, behold thy rival ! 

Octavia. — Heaven forgive them ! 
They have sinned and they have suffered! (Curtain) 

FINIS. 



f!OV 6 1911 



One copy del. to Cat, Div. 
NOV o t9j ; 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
I II III IIMI llll II llll II 



015 873 905 7 



